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My Only Child
There he is, my baby boy. His eyes are closed, his tiny rosebud mouth is pursed in sleep. My eyes well up as I catch a whiff of his newborn skin and I swallow back a wave of emotion. I should feel happy, I should feel grateful, but all I can think about is everything I just lost…
It’s a miracle when Katherine’s baby boy is born healthy. But his twin sister doesn’t survive, and when Katherine is told she can’t have any more children the loss is almost too much for her to bear.
Katherine always saw herself having a big family: she remembers how the loneliness of being an only child used to overwhelm her, and she is desperate to adopt a sibling for her son.
But her husband Davis won’t agree. He worries that Katherine will struggle when the new baby arrives. What if growing their family only adds to the grief she feels over losing her little girl? What if this breaks their marriage apart?
And Katherine is forced to make a choice. Give up the second child she has always dreamed of or risk losing the family she already has?
An unforgettable and heart-wrenching page-turner about fighting for those we love. Readers of Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain and Kate Hewitt will remember this story forever.
It’s a miracle when Katherine’s baby boy is born healthy. But his twin sister doesn’t survive, and when Katherine is told she can’t have any more children the loss is almost too much for her to bear.
Katherine always saw herself having a big family: she remembers how the loneliness of being an only child used to overwhelm her, and she is desperate to adopt a sibling for her son.
But her husband Davis won’t agree. He worries that Katherine will struggle when the new baby arrives. What if growing their family only adds to the grief she feels over losing her little girl? What if this breaks their marriage apart?
And Katherine is forced to make a choice. Give up the second child she has always dreamed of or risk losing the family she already has?
An unforgettable and heart-wrenching page-turner about fighting for those we love. Readers of Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain and Kate Hewitt will remember this story forever.
- GenresChick LitWomens Fiction
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2020
793 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 14, 2024
This is Literary Fiction/Women's Fiction. This book talks about some hard to read topics. This book follows Katherine (the daughter) and Hazel (the Mother), and they both have some big secrets hind for each other. After both of them shares their secrets with each other their relationship gets better. The characters in this book felt real and they where very developed. This book is well-written, and it covers adoption and other hard issues so well. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
November 3, 2020
"No one knows what I lost"
Oh My Goodness! This is the first book I have read by this amazing author and I really don't know if I have the emotional strength to read any more, if they are all like this one! - There just aren't enough tissues in the world to soak up all these tears - of both sadness and joy!!
Three short opening lines had me hooked, half guessing that bad news was to follow, but never knowing just how bad. The storyline had the right balance between plot and characters, although I think that there was definitely a strong third element central to this book, that of emotion. The ending was as divinely satisfying as I had hoped it might be, yet not in a contrived and sickly fashion.
I was half expecting it to come to light in Sam's biography, that she had also enjoyed a career in the social sector, as there is so much attention to detail, not only in the fluidly written physical storyline, but also in the richly crafted and effortless narrative and dialogue. The research to get the balance just right was impeccable. My Only Child is a story revealed in the 'then and now'; narrated in the 'now' in alternating chapters, by mother and daughter Hazel and Katherine; with Hazel sometimes taking time out to reflect back into the 'then' of her own unconventional past.
A desperately intense, powerful and multi-layered story, written with total confidence and authority by an author skilled in the imagery of words. There were so many emotionally traumatic, disturbing and compelling elements to this storyline, which might be difficult to read about, however the final package was told perceptively and intuitively, with real heart and compassion.
Sam took charge of the story outline masterfully and knew exactly which direction she wanted to go with it, however it was if she then gave the individual characters free reign and space to flesh out the details in their own time and at their own pace. So as not to reveal any additional spoilers to those the author chooses to share, the premise does offer a very good outline of the story, although there are the inevitable twists and turns along the way, that I never saw coming and would never have been able to pre-empt. This was such a great penetrating study of family dynamics and one which I could invest in all the way.
There are really only three central characters to this storyline, none of which, I have to say, were easy to connect with, although they all had very compelling voices. The emotional complexity of the situation, left them feeling alone and searching for a sense of worth and belonging, almost to the point of self-destruction. Their individual passion was raw, although channelled in very different directions. Each of them certain they knew what the others were thinking and how they felt, when if they had only found it within themselves to sit and talk out loud and let those emotions out into the open, much of the ensuing heartache and heartbreak could have been avoided - but then, is that really in our nature as humans?
Losing a child is never easy, no matter what the circumstances, so when a grieving, but determined Katherine is left by her husband Davis, to make all the choices about how their lives should move forward, rationale goes by the wayside and so potentially, does their relationship. It takes the firm hand and unselfish cool head of Katherine's mother to instigate the change that might get things back on track, although nothing can be certain once she has unburdened her own, long held guilty secrets. Finally, Sam gave Davis the voice I suspected he always had and the outpouring of his own locked up grief, had me turning the pages ever faster. Ultimately though, it was down to Katherine, the instigator of much of her own unhappiness, who has to make that life-changing decision whether to unite this fledgling family unit, or irretrievably tear it apart!
As a reader, there are so many different journeys I could have taken with this story and my personal area of focus may not have been the same as anyone else's, but that's what made this lovingly written book, so special!
Oh My Goodness! This is the first book I have read by this amazing author and I really don't know if I have the emotional strength to read any more, if they are all like this one! - There just aren't enough tissues in the world to soak up all these tears - of both sadness and joy!!
Three short opening lines had me hooked, half guessing that bad news was to follow, but never knowing just how bad. The storyline had the right balance between plot and characters, although I think that there was definitely a strong third element central to this book, that of emotion. The ending was as divinely satisfying as I had hoped it might be, yet not in a contrived and sickly fashion.
I was half expecting it to come to light in Sam's biography, that she had also enjoyed a career in the social sector, as there is so much attention to detail, not only in the fluidly written physical storyline, but also in the richly crafted and effortless narrative and dialogue. The research to get the balance just right was impeccable. My Only Child is a story revealed in the 'then and now'; narrated in the 'now' in alternating chapters, by mother and daughter Hazel and Katherine; with Hazel sometimes taking time out to reflect back into the 'then' of her own unconventional past.
A desperately intense, powerful and multi-layered story, written with total confidence and authority by an author skilled in the imagery of words. There were so many emotionally traumatic, disturbing and compelling elements to this storyline, which might be difficult to read about, however the final package was told perceptively and intuitively, with real heart and compassion.
Sam took charge of the story outline masterfully and knew exactly which direction she wanted to go with it, however it was if she then gave the individual characters free reign and space to flesh out the details in their own time and at their own pace. So as not to reveal any additional spoilers to those the author chooses to share, the premise does offer a very good outline of the story, although there are the inevitable twists and turns along the way, that I never saw coming and would never have been able to pre-empt. This was such a great penetrating study of family dynamics and one which I could invest in all the way.
There are really only three central characters to this storyline, none of which, I have to say, were easy to connect with, although they all had very compelling voices. The emotional complexity of the situation, left them feeling alone and searching for a sense of worth and belonging, almost to the point of self-destruction. Their individual passion was raw, although channelled in very different directions. Each of them certain they knew what the others were thinking and how they felt, when if they had only found it within themselves to sit and talk out loud and let those emotions out into the open, much of the ensuing heartache and heartbreak could have been avoided - but then, is that really in our nature as humans?
Losing a child is never easy, no matter what the circumstances, so when a grieving, but determined Katherine is left by her husband Davis, to make all the choices about how their lives should move forward, rationale goes by the wayside and so potentially, does their relationship. It takes the firm hand and unselfish cool head of Katherine's mother to instigate the change that might get things back on track, although nothing can be certain once she has unburdened her own, long held guilty secrets. Finally, Sam gave Davis the voice I suspected he always had and the outpouring of his own locked up grief, had me turning the pages ever faster. Ultimately though, it was down to Katherine, the instigator of much of her own unhappiness, who has to make that life-changing decision whether to unite this fledgling family unit, or irretrievably tear it apart!
As a reader, there are so many different journeys I could have taken with this story and my personal area of focus may not have been the same as anyone else's, but that's what made this lovingly written book, so special!
October 30, 2020
Your pregnant with twins, but you and your partner decide to keep that its two babies a secret. This is the story of Katherine and the choice she and her husband made so that the other baby would be a surprise to their friends and family. Katherine wants a big family but that decision is taken out of her hands when she goes into labour. One of the twins passes away and Katherine had to have an emergency historectomy. We also learn of her mother Hazel's story.
This is an emotional roller coaster book to read. It's also multi-layered. There's a mixed bunch of likable and unlikeable characters. I was invested in this story from the beginning. It's thought provoking. 5hentwo women's stories were woven together seamlessly. This is a well written story about relationships and the events that can take place that we have no power over. I really enjoyed this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #SamVickery for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is an emotional roller coaster book to read. It's also multi-layered. There's a mixed bunch of likable and unlikeable characters. I was invested in this story from the beginning. It's thought provoking. 5hentwo women's stories were woven together seamlessly. This is a well written story about relationships and the events that can take place that we have no power over. I really enjoyed this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #SamVickery for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2020
An emotional heartbreaking read was this where a woman pregnant with twins gave birth to only one live child. This was Katherine and her mother Hazel’s story where author Sam Vickery weaved the twin plotlines seamlessly.
A lump in the throat soon found me gulping hard as I got to know the secrets and circumstances of both the women. The characters were so well etched that their voices seemed real.
Many issues were interspersed into the plotline adding layers into the story, which touched my heart in the simplicity of the words and the complexity of the emotions.
The prose was slower than my thrillers but poignant enough to immerse me into their lives. The space between the words allowed my emotions to swell, adding a sheen to my eyes.
Some books were meant to be felt by the heart when the lines were read by the eyes. This was one of them. Relationships shone from the turmoil and complications to the love and understanding.
My heart throbbed as I smiled on reaching the end of the last page. Sighhh…
A lump in the throat soon found me gulping hard as I got to know the secrets and circumstances of both the women. The characters were so well etched that their voices seemed real.
Many issues were interspersed into the plotline adding layers into the story, which touched my heart in the simplicity of the words and the complexity of the emotions.
The prose was slower than my thrillers but poignant enough to immerse me into their lives. The space between the words allowed my emotions to swell, adding a sheen to my eyes.
Some books were meant to be felt by the heart when the lines were read by the eyes. This was one of them. Relationships shone from the turmoil and complications to the love and understanding.
My heart throbbed as I smiled on reaching the end of the last page. Sighhh…
March 24, 2021
Review coming soon.
November 4, 2020
My Only Child is the first book I have read by author, Sam Vickery and I wasn’t sure what to expect when first digging into this story. I didn’t realize the range of emotions I would go through as Vickery took me on a journey with a family so broken and in need of repair. This is a character driven story surrounded by a heartbreaking subject matter, the loss of a child.
Katherine and Davis are about to have twins, but something goes wrong with the delivery and her baby girl dies while her son is born healthy. Because of the difficult delivery, Katherine is told she can never have any more children which absolutely devastates her. Katherine knows what it is like being an only child and she has always wanted a big family, but now it is no longer in the cards for her. This leads her to wanting to adopt another child even if her husband, Davis, does not agree. Can this fractured family finally come together or is the death of their child too much for them to handle?
Vickery weaves one emotional story and I guess I would advise to have some tissues handy because this is quite the tearjerker. You are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions and many scenes just shook me to the core. I can;t ever imagine what it is like to lose a child, nor would I ever wish this to happen to anyone. I have family members who have lost their child and it's absolutely devastating and I have seen the range of emotions they have gone through while trying to process their loss. Vickery really captures the emotional toll parents go through.
This is a very character driven story and with that being said, I didn’t necessarily like any of the characters in the beginning. Katherine, husband Davis, and her mother Hazel were not one family unit and there were secrets being kept amongst all of them which made for some pretty tense scenes. I will say though that each character was three dimensional and you could almost feel their pain along with their frustrations.
My Only Child is a heartbreaking and multi layered story told with honesty and realness. This is a five star read for me and one I highly recommend. You definitely do not want to miss out on this story.
Katherine and Davis are about to have twins, but something goes wrong with the delivery and her baby girl dies while her son is born healthy. Because of the difficult delivery, Katherine is told she can never have any more children which absolutely devastates her. Katherine knows what it is like being an only child and she has always wanted a big family, but now it is no longer in the cards for her. This leads her to wanting to adopt another child even if her husband, Davis, does not agree. Can this fractured family finally come together or is the death of their child too much for them to handle?
Vickery weaves one emotional story and I guess I would advise to have some tissues handy because this is quite the tearjerker. You are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions and many scenes just shook me to the core. I can;t ever imagine what it is like to lose a child, nor would I ever wish this to happen to anyone. I have family members who have lost their child and it's absolutely devastating and I have seen the range of emotions they have gone through while trying to process their loss. Vickery really captures the emotional toll parents go through.
This is a very character driven story and with that being said, I didn’t necessarily like any of the characters in the beginning. Katherine, husband Davis, and her mother Hazel were not one family unit and there were secrets being kept amongst all of them which made for some pretty tense scenes. I will say though that each character was three dimensional and you could almost feel their pain along with their frustrations.
My Only Child is a heartbreaking and multi layered story told with honesty and realness. This is a five star read for me and one I highly recommend. You definitely do not want to miss out on this story.
November 4, 2020
Katherine is not to be deterred. Devastated at the loss of one of her twins in childbirth, added to the fact the tragedy of a sudden and emergency hysterectomy, she is determined to fulfill her desire for a large family by checking into adoption almost as soon as she struggles to cope with those great losses.
Her husband Davis is really not on the same page. He would much rather the couple handle the cards they've been dealt and pour their love on their surviving twin. He is a healthy baby boy and they can make that enough. He knows how much they have talked about having a large family, but just maybe he can let Katherine play this out. Let her go through the process of of adoption. Perhaps when she can see the difficult road ahead, she will drop the prospect.
Meanwhile, Katherine must deal with her fractured relationship with her overprotective mother. In fact, not only are there secrets between them, but her mother's past comes into play. The story being told from Katherine's perspective now shifts to her mother's story. How much of her mother's life plays into the decisions Katherine is facing now is laid out in a then and now telling of this tragic story.
As I was reading this book I could not imagine the incredible losses Katherine had to cope with, all while being a new mother. What is more is that as the story shifted to her mother's point of view not only was quite telling, it held a different emotional edge. It helped readers to see why beyond the pain of loss Katherine had to cope with and allowed the reader to see that the loss was felt on several levels. By so doing, the author touched on some heavy subjects - that of loss, unhappiness, adjustment and secrets. Then as Katherine's wish to adopt came to fruition, those difficulties were also traversed.
This book by Sam Vickery was my first by her and it was a baptism of fire. This book was hard-hitting, and I was riveted to the book from the very first scene, through the pages as the stories were told, all the way through to the very end. While I read this book I was often overwhelmed by the sadness enveloped within the story, looking for some sort of hope and joy to come through. Kudos to the author as she managed to evoke such strong feelings in me as I read the pages of this excellent book.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Her husband Davis is really not on the same page. He would much rather the couple handle the cards they've been dealt and pour their love on their surviving twin. He is a healthy baby boy and they can make that enough. He knows how much they have talked about having a large family, but just maybe he can let Katherine play this out. Let her go through the process of of adoption. Perhaps when she can see the difficult road ahead, she will drop the prospect.
Meanwhile, Katherine must deal with her fractured relationship with her overprotective mother. In fact, not only are there secrets between them, but her mother's past comes into play. The story being told from Katherine's perspective now shifts to her mother's story. How much of her mother's life plays into the decisions Katherine is facing now is laid out in a then and now telling of this tragic story.
As I was reading this book I could not imagine the incredible losses Katherine had to cope with, all while being a new mother. What is more is that as the story shifted to her mother's point of view not only was quite telling, it held a different emotional edge. It helped readers to see why beyond the pain of loss Katherine had to cope with and allowed the reader to see that the loss was felt on several levels. By so doing, the author touched on some heavy subjects - that of loss, unhappiness, adjustment and secrets. Then as Katherine's wish to adopt came to fruition, those difficulties were also traversed.
This book by Sam Vickery was my first by her and it was a baptism of fire. This book was hard-hitting, and I was riveted to the book from the very first scene, through the pages as the stories were told, all the way through to the very end. While I read this book I was often overwhelmed by the sadness enveloped within the story, looking for some sort of hope and joy to come through. Kudos to the author as she managed to evoke such strong feelings in me as I read the pages of this excellent book.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
November 2, 2020
OH MY GOD! It’s not the first time I start a review with this exclamation and it won’t certainly be the last time either. I had to write it in capital letters and in full because the small abbreviation would not cut it. It would not express my feelings about this book.
I opened it and my heart already started breaking. It broke more and more until I found myself with one million pieces of it. But I was lucky. The author added a very good glue to the story so that finally I could put it together again.
The book made my heart bleed, my eyes well up and my bin fill up with wet tissues, but I ended with my heart full of warmth, my eyes crying happy tears and a big smile on my face.
An amazingly beautiful story that I could not put down. 5 stars
Thank you, Sam Vickery and Bookouture
I opened it and my heart already started breaking. It broke more and more until I found myself with one million pieces of it. But I was lucky. The author added a very good glue to the story so that finally I could put it together again.
The book made my heart bleed, my eyes well up and my bin fill up with wet tissues, but I ended with my heart full of warmth, my eyes crying happy tears and a big smile on my face.
An amazingly beautiful story that I could not put down. 5 stars
Thank you, Sam Vickery and Bookouture
November 1, 2020
This was such an emotional read. I'm not a mother so wasn't sure I would feel the strong emotions felt by the characters. I was wrong! The emotional trauma was extremely well written and some scenes made my heart hurt!
The plot was a little slow at one point but it definitely picked up as secrets were revealed.
A really enjoyable read!
The plot was a little slow at one point but it definitely picked up as secrets were revealed.
A really enjoyable read!
November 2, 2020
A story about a mother's love for her child, her willingness to protect her child from all harm, physical and emotional and to always be there for her child.
This is the first time that I am reading a story by Sam Vickery and the author has captured my heart by her penning down this story of such a complicated topic which always has so many shades even in real life.
Katherine is an only child of her parents. Hazel her mother is the only surviving parent and Katherine finds her too overbearing and interfering and that is what drives her decisions in her married life. Katherine has always wanted a big family so that none of her children experience the loneliness she has. Katherine is pregnant with her children and when she has premature pains and taken to hospital, she doesnt know the trauma she is going to be in for. What happens to the child? How does she survive this terrible incident? What happens in her relationship with her mother is what this story is all about.
The character of Katherine and Hazel have been depicted very clearly and the surprise for me was Davis's growth in character although I would have liked it to have some background. I liked the descriptions of emotions of each and every character and their self talk about why and what they do is what gave me an understanding into their characters. The story is narrated in multiple POVs, those of Katherine and Hazel. Thats where it is appropriate that Davis is always described in their perceptions. I would have loved to read Davis perspective of the situation too. That would have given me a look into his inner struggles. The development of the story was good and the emotional struggle of Katherine and Hazel with respective to their action in their children's present and future lives is what makes the story engrossing and interesting. Kudos to the author for tackling the topic of adoption in a very sensitive manner.
I would love to recommend this book to all those who enjoy reading stories having an emotional perspective to life events. If you are still healing from the loss of a child or other child birth issues the story may trigger unwanted emotions. I suggest such people to stay away from this emotionally charged story. If you are a lover if women's fiction then go ahead and enjoy this.
I thank Bookoutire, Netgalley and the author for approving my request to read and review the story. The opinions expressed are all mine.
This is the first time that I am reading a story by Sam Vickery and the author has captured my heart by her penning down this story of such a complicated topic which always has so many shades even in real life.
Katherine is an only child of her parents. Hazel her mother is the only surviving parent and Katherine finds her too overbearing and interfering and that is what drives her decisions in her married life. Katherine has always wanted a big family so that none of her children experience the loneliness she has. Katherine is pregnant with her children and when she has premature pains and taken to hospital, she doesnt know the trauma she is going to be in for. What happens to the child? How does she survive this terrible incident? What happens in her relationship with her mother is what this story is all about.
The character of Katherine and Hazel have been depicted very clearly and the surprise for me was Davis's growth in character although I would have liked it to have some background. I liked the descriptions of emotions of each and every character and their self talk about why and what they do is what gave me an understanding into their characters. The story is narrated in multiple POVs, those of Katherine and Hazel. Thats where it is appropriate that Davis is always described in their perceptions. I would have loved to read Davis perspective of the situation too. That would have given me a look into his inner struggles. The development of the story was good and the emotional struggle of Katherine and Hazel with respective to their action in their children's present and future lives is what makes the story engrossing and interesting. Kudos to the author for tackling the topic of adoption in a very sensitive manner.
I would love to recommend this book to all those who enjoy reading stories having an emotional perspective to life events. If you are still healing from the loss of a child or other child birth issues the story may trigger unwanted emotions. I suggest such people to stay away from this emotionally charged story. If you are a lover if women's fiction then go ahead and enjoy this.
I thank Bookoutire, Netgalley and the author for approving my request to read and review the story. The opinions expressed are all mine.
October 2, 2020
After a difficult labour Katherine wakes up to find that only one of her twins has survived and that she will not be able to have any more children. As she tries to deal with loosing her baby girl and the future of a house full of children as well as dealing with a beautiful baby boy she makes a decision that she will not give up on her large family no matter what the cost but can’t understand why her over protective mother and her husband are not so keen. This is a book about secrets families keep and how sometimes not everything is what it seems but ultimately the things a mother will do for love holds no bounds
September 27, 2020
All the characters in the books are well described and easy to relate to. Enjoyed reading this novel, full of raw emotion and love.
Katherine's heart is shattered to bits when she learns about the loss of her baby daughter Adriana at birth and later devasted to learn that she can't have any more kids. Her dreams to have a big family is lost forever. As she comes to terms with the new life and cares for her twin son, Jamie, while all the while nursing her broken heart she formulates a plan to solve her dilemma. But will her husband Davis support her decision?
Summary: An amazing brilliant read. Get ready for an emotional roller coaster, wonderfully written, heartfelt novel.
Katherine's heart is shattered to bits when she learns about the loss of her baby daughter Adriana at birth and later devasted to learn that she can't have any more kids. Her dreams to have a big family is lost forever. As she comes to terms with the new life and cares for her twin son, Jamie, while all the while nursing her broken heart she formulates a plan to solve her dilemma. But will her husband Davis support her decision?
Summary: An amazing brilliant read. Get ready for an emotional roller coaster, wonderfully written, heartfelt novel.
March 11, 2021
Book Description:
There he is, my baby boy. His eyes are closed, his tiny rosebud mouth is pursed in sleep. My eyes well up as I catch a whiff of his newborn skin and I swallow back a wave of emotion. I should feel happy, I should feel grateful, but all I can think about is everything I just lost…
It’s a miracle when Katherine’s baby boy is born healthy. But his twin sister doesn’t survive, and when Katherine is told she can’t have any more children the loss is almost too much for her to bear.
Katherine always saw herself having a big family: she remembers how the loneliness of being an only child used to overwhelm her, and she is desperate to adopt a sibling for her son.
But her husband Davis won’t agree. He worries that Katherine will struggle when the new baby arrives. What if growing their family only adds to the grief she feels over losing her little girl? What if this breaks their marriage apart?
And Katherine is forced to make a choice. Give up the second child she has always dreamed of or risk losing the family she already has?
An unforgettable and heart-wrenching page-turner about fighting for those we love. Readers of Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain and Kate Hewitt will remember this story forever.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'My Only Child' by Sam Vickery .
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 2nd November 2020
This is the second book that I have read by this author. The first book I read is called 'One Last Second' which I gave 5/5 and would highly recommend also reading.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and intriguing synopsis. It also stated in the blurb that readers of Jodi Picoult amongst others will remember this story forever. I am a MASSIVE Picoult fan so am looking forward to see if the book lives up to this. I have previously read 'One Last Second' by Sam Vickery and gave it 5/5 so hopefully can give this the same. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 39 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in London , UK 🇬🇧 . I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture the scenes.
This book is written in first person perspective and the main protagonists are Hazel and Katherine. I enjoy books written in first person with several protagonists as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything. It also feels like you get more of a bond with the characters than you would in third person perspective.
Well I must say another well done to Sam Vickery on another very successful novel!! This book is very well written and reads smoothly. The synopsis and the cover work perfectly with the storyline.
The storyline itself is an emotionally packed roller-coaster ride bringing tears along with some happiness. I found some parts very hard to read being a mum to twin myself and made the mistake of reading it while waiting on the school run and ending up picking up my son while trying to hide my tears. It is a compelling read and shows the difficulties of both child loss and adoption along with the stress and emotions it puts on families involved. I enjoyed looking back on Hazel's past and really did feel for her. Get ready for a tear jerking page turner.
The characters are very well built up and I enjoyed watching them develop, grow and bond with each other. The difference between them at the beginning of the story to the end is amazing and very well worked out. They are all strong and realistic and I really bonded with them. The character development I found the most fascinating was Davis and I'm glad how it all worked out.
I think this book would work out fascinating as a movie and I would love to watch it if this ever happened. Another congratulations to Sam Vickery, I am looking forward to reading more of your successful novels.
Overall an emotionally packed page turner that should only be read with tissues on hand!!
Genres covered in this novel include Psychological Fiction and Religious Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Jodie Picoult and tear jerkers.
274 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I loved it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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Author Bio:
Sam Vickery is an English author who loves gritty, emotional stories that can make you sob. As a child, she was forever getting in trouble for being caught with her nose in a book, and these days are no different. She lives on the south coast of England with her husband, two children and a cat that thinks it's a dog.
https://www.facebook.com/SamVickeryWr...
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://bit.ly/2TkXfLS
Apple: https://apple.co/3j6QKrN
Kobo: https://bit.ly/38XTS4i
Google: https://bit.ly/38XVfjv
There he is, my baby boy. His eyes are closed, his tiny rosebud mouth is pursed in sleep. My eyes well up as I catch a whiff of his newborn skin and I swallow back a wave of emotion. I should feel happy, I should feel grateful, but all I can think about is everything I just lost…
It’s a miracle when Katherine’s baby boy is born healthy. But his twin sister doesn’t survive, and when Katherine is told she can’t have any more children the loss is almost too much for her to bear.
Katherine always saw herself having a big family: she remembers how the loneliness of being an only child used to overwhelm her, and she is desperate to adopt a sibling for her son.
But her husband Davis won’t agree. He worries that Katherine will struggle when the new baby arrives. What if growing their family only adds to the grief she feels over losing her little girl? What if this breaks their marriage apart?
And Katherine is forced to make a choice. Give up the second child she has always dreamed of or risk losing the family she already has?
An unforgettable and heart-wrenching page-turner about fighting for those we love. Readers of Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain and Kate Hewitt will remember this story forever.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'My Only Child' by Sam Vickery .
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 2nd November 2020
This is the second book that I have read by this author. The first book I read is called 'One Last Second' which I gave 5/5 and would highly recommend also reading.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and intriguing synopsis. It also stated in the blurb that readers of Jodi Picoult amongst others will remember this story forever. I am a MASSIVE Picoult fan so am looking forward to see if the book lives up to this. I have previously read 'One Last Second' by Sam Vickery and gave it 5/5 so hopefully can give this the same. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 39 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in London , UK 🇬🇧 . I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture the scenes.
This book is written in first person perspective and the main protagonists are Hazel and Katherine. I enjoy books written in first person with several protagonists as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything. It also feels like you get more of a bond with the characters than you would in third person perspective.
Well I must say another well done to Sam Vickery on another very successful novel!! This book is very well written and reads smoothly. The synopsis and the cover work perfectly with the storyline.
The storyline itself is an emotionally packed roller-coaster ride bringing tears along with some happiness. I found some parts very hard to read being a mum to twin myself and made the mistake of reading it while waiting on the school run and ending up picking up my son while trying to hide my tears. It is a compelling read and shows the difficulties of both child loss and adoption along with the stress and emotions it puts on families involved. I enjoyed looking back on Hazel's past and really did feel for her. Get ready for a tear jerking page turner.
The characters are very well built up and I enjoyed watching them develop, grow and bond with each other. The difference between them at the beginning of the story to the end is amazing and very well worked out. They are all strong and realistic and I really bonded with them. The character development I found the most fascinating was Davis and I'm glad how it all worked out.
I think this book would work out fascinating as a movie and I would love to watch it if this ever happened. Another congratulations to Sam Vickery, I am looking forward to reading more of your successful novels.
Overall an emotionally packed page turner that should only be read with tissues on hand!!
Genres covered in this novel include Psychological Fiction and Religious Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Jodie Picoult and tear jerkers.
274 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I loved it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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Author Bio:
Sam Vickery is an English author who loves gritty, emotional stories that can make you sob. As a child, she was forever getting in trouble for being caught with her nose in a book, and these days are no different. She lives on the south coast of England with her husband, two children and a cat that thinks it's a dog.
https://www.facebook.com/SamVickeryWr...
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://bit.ly/2TkXfLS
Apple: https://apple.co/3j6QKrN
Kobo: https://bit.ly/38XTS4i
Google: https://bit.ly/38XVfjv
October 2, 2020
This book is an emotional tale. It is about relationships: mothers, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives. And it is about mothering.
It was easy to get into, I was attached to the story from the very beginning. As in so many good books, secrets play a major role. The secrets are not kept from the reader but the characters keep secrets from each other.
I found the ending a little too neat and tidy. The relationships and angst were very realistic throughout the book but the conclusion was too hurried, making it not as realistic.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an advance readers copy.
It was easy to get into, I was attached to the story from the very beginning. As in so many good books, secrets play a major role. The secrets are not kept from the reader but the characters keep secrets from each other.
I found the ending a little too neat and tidy. The relationships and angst were very realistic throughout the book but the conclusion was too hurried, making it not as realistic.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an advance readers copy.
October 23, 2020
I was intrigued and eager to read this book as soon as I read the summary, and was thrilled that the book proved to be as good as I thought it would be!
I felt a myriad of strong emotions when reading it, for a number of reasons. The most prevalent emotion that comes to mind right now is the feeling of utter shock and frustration at the actions of Davis and Katherine’s mother. I wanted to shake one or the other, or both at the same time, several times. It’s amazing how someone’s life can be so directly affected and changed unknowingly based on what others do. It does not seem right at all.
I can relate to Katherine in a few ways and, without giving away any spoilers, I will say that I can sympathize and commiserate completely with how she was feeling, and that made me feel even more emotional towards everything and everyone.
The author did such an outstanding job at capturing such realistic situations and creating a masterful and captivating story! I am impressed and am a new fan of this author! I just read summaries of other books written by Sam Vickery and added almost all of them to my TBR list, they all sound just as, if not more, enchanting as this one!
I felt a myriad of strong emotions when reading it, for a number of reasons. The most prevalent emotion that comes to mind right now is the feeling of utter shock and frustration at the actions of Davis and Katherine’s mother. I wanted to shake one or the other, or both at the same time, several times. It’s amazing how someone’s life can be so directly affected and changed unknowingly based on what others do. It does not seem right at all.
I can relate to Katherine in a few ways and, without giving away any spoilers, I will say that I can sympathize and commiserate completely with how she was feeling, and that made me feel even more emotional towards everything and everyone.
The author did such an outstanding job at capturing such realistic situations and creating a masterful and captivating story! I am impressed and am a new fan of this author! I just read summaries of other books written by Sam Vickery and added almost all of them to my TBR list, they all sound just as, if not more, enchanting as this one!
October 8, 2020
"My Only Child" is a very emotional tale that explores the intensely complicated relationships that exist between mothers and daughters.
While this book was very easy to get into, I have to admit that I didn't love any of the characters. I found it hard to connect with any of them - and found many of their struggles trivial and mostly self made.
Still, I really appreciated the raw honesty behind everything - so I still want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for letting me enjoy this one.
While this book was very easy to get into, I have to admit that I didn't love any of the characters. I found it hard to connect with any of them - and found many of their struggles trivial and mostly self made.
Still, I really appreciated the raw honesty behind everything - so I still want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for letting me enjoy this one.
November 9, 2020
want to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this heart tugging novel about motherhood and sacrifices,not by choice, that a new mother has had to make.Katherine and her husband Davis are expecting twins, or thought they were. That unbearable trauma losing one child to save her own life during a non stop bleeding during childbirth.The longing for that second child she lost at birth, and a large family she hoped to have, knowing she is unable to bear anymore children, adoption seems to be the answer . Then there are the secrets her own mother keeps from her and going to all extents to be able and see her grandson, unaware there wouldve been a granddaughter as well. The writer shares the emotional greif a new mother is going through. A new mother to be the best and painfully nurturing her son Jaime, trying to not have that greif throughout motherhood. Her husband is goign out nightly and drinking at The Pub,so this adds to a greif they are both going through and not being able to talk about it.When the adoption comes through, they travel overseas to meet their new son and bond for a week.The rest of the story kept me gripping the book to the end,I was curious and proud how this couple had to learn how to trust one another and their parenthood instincts to survive and hold on to their family,if it was to have a good outcome.The ending couldve been more detailed but it came to the conclusion I expected.Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this Ebook and discover a new author.
November 2, 2020
I was fortunate to receive a copy of this ARC from NetGalley.
The story is told by Katherine and her mother, Hazel. Initially I thought Hazel came across as quite domineering as a mother in law but gradually we learn her life story that has led to today.
Meanwhile Katherine is struggling with having her dreams for the future turned upside down and being on a different page to her husband, Davis.
I found the author's previous book incredibly moving and this was the same. Understanding the maternal instinct and pull of both Katherine and Hazel and what it drove them to do.
It also explored nature vs nurture and the pull of a biological bond.
My favourite quote:
"Your arms were forever full with the burden of it all."
Published 2nd November 2020.
The story is told by Katherine and her mother, Hazel. Initially I thought Hazel came across as quite domineering as a mother in law but gradually we learn her life story that has led to today.
Meanwhile Katherine is struggling with having her dreams for the future turned upside down and being on a different page to her husband, Davis.
I found the author's previous book incredibly moving and this was the same. Understanding the maternal instinct and pull of both Katherine and Hazel and what it drove them to do.
It also explored nature vs nurture and the pull of a biological bond.
My favourite quote:
"Your arms were forever full with the burden of it all."
Published 2nd November 2020.
November 8, 2020
I've loved Sam's previous books for the raw emotion contained within the pages and this book is no different. You jump start into the action from page 1. I didn't read the blurb so I had the shock factor that most won't get.
This book told two stories that wove together so well. I didn't warm to Hazel very quickly but that was very much led by the story.
It was very cleverly written and I'd highly recommend it.
This book told two stories that wove together so well. I didn't warm to Hazel very quickly but that was very much led by the story.
It was very cleverly written and I'd highly recommend it.
November 2, 2020
This is a very emotional story of love and loss.
The emotions between mother and daughter. Wife and husband. Mother and son in law.
Loss of a child. Not being able to have another child. Holding a child and having to let her go.
This book is one that will have you crying your eyes out all the way through.
Katherine wakes up after having to have emergency surgery to a horrific loss. Not only has she lost one of her twins. She had to have a hysterectomy. She had wanted a large family and after this those dreams are diminished.
There are many secrets in this book that come to light after this loss. Tension between Katherine and her husband, Davis. Her mother also.
This book is told from Katherine's POV and her mother, Hazel's POV. It goes back to when Hazel was young and first got married also.
It's a very well written book that will keep your emotions raw. Make sure you have lots of tissues handy. You will need them.
I really enjoyed reading this one and liked most of the characters once I understood them all.
I gave this one a big 5/5 stars.
Disclaimer: I was given this book for REVIEW. It in no way affects my thoughts.
The emotions between mother and daughter. Wife and husband. Mother and son in law.
Loss of a child. Not being able to have another child. Holding a child and having to let her go.
This book is one that will have you crying your eyes out all the way through.
Katherine wakes up after having to have emergency surgery to a horrific loss. Not only has she lost one of her twins. She had to have a hysterectomy. She had wanted a large family and after this those dreams are diminished.
There are many secrets in this book that come to light after this loss. Tension between Katherine and her husband, Davis. Her mother also.
This book is told from Katherine's POV and her mother, Hazel's POV. It goes back to when Hazel was young and first got married also.
It's a very well written book that will keep your emotions raw. Make sure you have lots of tissues handy. You will need them.
I really enjoyed reading this one and liked most of the characters once I understood them all.
I gave this one a big 5/5 stars.
Disclaimer: I was given this book for REVIEW. It in no way affects my thoughts.
September 28, 2021
I find myself wanting to read relatively fast paced books that hold my attention,and this was one of them.
November 5, 2020
First, I want to thank Sam Vickery, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
Sam Vickery knows how to pull on my heart strings and make me tear up with her beautiful stories. She made me fall in love with her writing style in her previous book so when I heard about My Only Child I had to read it! I am so glad that I did!
The cover just melted my heart. It is just so beautiful and picturesque! That alone with the title just pulled on my heart strings and knew I was in for a heart felt read.
Sam dedicates her book to her son, Viggo. She says watching him grow into such a creative, curious, kind-hearted little boy has been one of her greatest pleasures in life. She loves you to the end of the universe and back.
Sam jumps right into the fast paced, heartbreaking, totally shocking, heart wrenching beginning to a story that will bring out many emotions inside of you.
This book brings up very sensitive topics such as loss of a child at birth, not being able to have any more children, alcoholism, how people handle grief, and international adoption.
Sam does an incredible job drawing out each emotion each character feels for each situation. She shows you how they feel not just tells you. You can’t help but feel total empathy for each character and what they are going through.
The book goes from present day to the past where we learn about how Hazel met Katherine’s Dad Frank. We learn about his tragedy in his life to make him the way he was. However, the very ironic part of it is we learn the parallel between what happened back then that is similar to present day in Katherine’s life.
There were so many times I wanted to reach into the book and give Katherine a hug! No woman should have to go through what she did. Her family wasn’t even consulted! That is what made me upset!
I myself am not a Mom but my sister almost lost my niece as she was born at 25 weeks early. She was in the NICU for 102 days. I couldn’t imagine what would have happened if we had lost her. Luckily she is a happy, healthy, and full of life 7 year old! Who is like her Auntie and loves to read!
Sam says something in the back of the book that really hit home to me. Her greatest lesson in life so far has been that it is the times when things veer off course and our carefully laid plans go out the window that we truly have an opportunity to learn and grow. It is these challenges that make us stronger, kinder and more generous with love and our energy, and in pushing forward even when it feels impossible, we get the greatest rewards. You have no idea how true this is for the personal situation my family is going through now. Thank you Sam for this reminder!
Sam Vickery knows how to pull on my heart strings and make me tear up with her beautiful stories. She made me fall in love with her writing style in her previous book so when I heard about My Only Child I had to read it! I am so glad that I did!
The cover just melted my heart. It is just so beautiful and picturesque! That alone with the title just pulled on my heart strings and knew I was in for a heart felt read.
Sam dedicates her book to her son, Viggo. She says watching him grow into such a creative, curious, kind-hearted little boy has been one of her greatest pleasures in life. She loves you to the end of the universe and back.
Sam jumps right into the fast paced, heartbreaking, totally shocking, heart wrenching beginning to a story that will bring out many emotions inside of you.
This book brings up very sensitive topics such as loss of a child at birth, not being able to have any more children, alcoholism, how people handle grief, and international adoption.
Sam does an incredible job drawing out each emotion each character feels for each situation. She shows you how they feel not just tells you. You can’t help but feel total empathy for each character and what they are going through.
The book goes from present day to the past where we learn about how Hazel met Katherine’s Dad Frank. We learn about his tragedy in his life to make him the way he was. However, the very ironic part of it is we learn the parallel between what happened back then that is similar to present day in Katherine’s life.
There were so many times I wanted to reach into the book and give Katherine a hug! No woman should have to go through what she did. Her family wasn’t even consulted! That is what made me upset!
I myself am not a Mom but my sister almost lost my niece as she was born at 25 weeks early. She was in the NICU for 102 days. I couldn’t imagine what would have happened if we had lost her. Luckily she is a happy, healthy, and full of life 7 year old! Who is like her Auntie and loves to read!
Sam says something in the back of the book that really hit home to me. Her greatest lesson in life so far has been that it is the times when things veer off course and our carefully laid plans go out the window that we truly have an opportunity to learn and grow. It is these challenges that make us stronger, kinder and more generous with love and our energy, and in pushing forward even when it feels impossible, we get the greatest rewards. You have no idea how true this is for the personal situation my family is going through now. Thank you Sam for this reminder!
February 11, 2024
Raw, Emotional and Realistic! This book will take you to the heart of grief and all that surrounds it and yet compel to read on right to the end.
From the outset, this is dramatic with a hysterectomy being required and the utter sadness and devastation that Katherine has to live with. It's high on very intense emotion. It's a book that will resonate with so many people who have experienced loss and especially loss of a child.
The book goes between Katherine and Hazel. It isn't all about the sadness though. There's some more positive emotions too, through some heartwarming romance and care shown as the book flips a bit between "Then" and "Now". This is a real family story of strength, growing up, romance, love in all different forms, sadness. It has it all. It isn't a relaxing read, but then loss is anything but a chilled out experience and it is raw and then when opportunities are taken from you, they heighten even more and it is captured well in this book. The grief is written so believably. I'm sure many readers will have experienced grief before, even if not with the loss of a child, but with a loved one and will be able to easily empathise and sympathise with the characters and recognise the signs, including the physical ones. It's pretty detailed. It is a book that you can, even though the subject matter is deep, get caught up in and be whisked all the way to the end in a couple of sittings.
There is hope for a future after experiencing so much devastating heartbreak and anguish, but there is also the sense of things tearing apart at the seams. It's pretty realistic because after such grief, people do all react differently and it isn't all plain-sailing, as is depicted throughout. The ending is so tender, it's worth reaching there too.
From the outset, this is dramatic with a hysterectomy being required and the utter sadness and devastation that Katherine has to live with. It's high on very intense emotion. It's a book that will resonate with so many people who have experienced loss and especially loss of a child.
The book goes between Katherine and Hazel. It isn't all about the sadness though. There's some more positive emotions too, through some heartwarming romance and care shown as the book flips a bit between "Then" and "Now". This is a real family story of strength, growing up, romance, love in all different forms, sadness. It has it all. It isn't a relaxing read, but then loss is anything but a chilled out experience and it is raw and then when opportunities are taken from you, they heighten even more and it is captured well in this book. The grief is written so believably. I'm sure many readers will have experienced grief before, even if not with the loss of a child, but with a loved one and will be able to easily empathise and sympathise with the characters and recognise the signs, including the physical ones. It's pretty detailed. It is a book that you can, even though the subject matter is deep, get caught up in and be whisked all the way to the end in a couple of sittings.
There is hope for a future after experiencing so much devastating heartbreak and anguish, but there is also the sense of things tearing apart at the seams. It's pretty realistic because after such grief, people do all react differently and it isn't all plain-sailing, as is depicted throughout. The ending is so tender, it's worth reaching there too.
October 14, 2020
I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley for an honest review. This was a hard book to read but I am glad I did read it. When Katherine went into labor there were complications and one of the twins didn't survive. Her and her husband, Davis, hadn't told anyone they were having twins, so they kept it a secret that their daughter died. Katherine wanted to name her daughter and have a funeral but her husband didn't want to but she did and he did attend the funeral with her.
I was glad I read the book because I got an understanding of what a woman goes through when their child doesn't make it. Katherine didn't get along with her mother but her mother was always nice to her and wanted to be close to her daughter but Katherine just kept pushing her away. As the book moves along we learn both the mother and daughter have secrets and it looks like it will totally destroy them.
Davis and Katherine did an International adoption and adopted a little boy. Things didn't work out the way Katherine had dreamed and it looked like Katherine was hitting rock bottom. The day did come, that she had a breakthrough and things started to turn around. The ending was so special.
Sam Vickery did an amazing job writing this story. I think many people will have a better understanding of what someone goes through when they lose a child. The book shows us the difficulty of moving forward, figuring out what to do, and really how to just make it through a day. It is written with understanding, compassion, and so much feeling.
I was glad I read the book because I got an understanding of what a woman goes through when their child doesn't make it. Katherine didn't get along with her mother but her mother was always nice to her and wanted to be close to her daughter but Katherine just kept pushing her away. As the book moves along we learn both the mother and daughter have secrets and it looks like it will totally destroy them.
Davis and Katherine did an International adoption and adopted a little boy. Things didn't work out the way Katherine had dreamed and it looked like Katherine was hitting rock bottom. The day did come, that she had a breakthrough and things started to turn around. The ending was so special.
Sam Vickery did an amazing job writing this story. I think many people will have a better understanding of what someone goes through when they lose a child. The book shows us the difficulty of moving forward, figuring out what to do, and really how to just make it through a day. It is written with understanding, compassion, and so much feeling.
October 21, 2020
This story broke my heart at times and I’m certain that every reader will shed a tear at some point whilst reading My Only Child, so having tissues to hand is advisable.
This is my first time reading Sam Vickery’s work and what I loved about this story was that it didn’t just focus on what Katherine and Davis were going through, but she also gave us Hazel’s story and how this affected them over the years and in the present time. The stories of both Katherine and Hazel I thought were seamlessly written, although my main niggle is that I felt Hazel’s perspective and feelings were repeated a little too much, even though I can appreciate that the author was aiming for the reader to have a good understanding of Hazel’s relationships. Also, I would have loved a little more to the conclusion to this story, which will also have you reaching for the tissues of that I'm certain.
I found this story to be very thought-provoking. I have been a mother for a number of years and I found myself looking back over my time with my boys. I have every faith that the author will have brought out all the emotions in every reader but I certainly could understand how Katherine and Hazel must have been feeling as they came to terms with their situations and tried to move forward.
I recommend this book to you to read. It has been a welcome change from the books that I tend to choose for myself (focusing more on the romance of a story) and I look forward to reading more of Sam’s work in the future.
This is my first time reading Sam Vickery’s work and what I loved about this story was that it didn’t just focus on what Katherine and Davis were going through, but she also gave us Hazel’s story and how this affected them over the years and in the present time. The stories of both Katherine and Hazel I thought were seamlessly written, although my main niggle is that I felt Hazel’s perspective and feelings were repeated a little too much, even though I can appreciate that the author was aiming for the reader to have a good understanding of Hazel’s relationships. Also, I would have loved a little more to the conclusion to this story, which will also have you reaching for the tissues of that I'm certain.
I found this story to be very thought-provoking. I have been a mother for a number of years and I found myself looking back over my time with my boys. I have every faith that the author will have brought out all the emotions in every reader but I certainly could understand how Katherine and Hazel must have been feeling as they came to terms with their situations and tried to move forward.
I recommend this book to you to read. It has been a welcome change from the books that I tend to choose for myself (focusing more on the romance of a story) and I look forward to reading more of Sam’s work in the future.
November 29, 2020
Hazel eagerly awaits the birth of her first grandchild as her daughter Katherine goes into labour. The family are plunged into sadness and grief despite the safe delivery of a goregous baby boy. His twin sister died during the birth and an emergency hysterectomy destroyed any chance of future children. Katherine is desperate for more children after growing up as an only child. Adoption is their only option but her husband and mother are set against it...
I'd only just recovered from the emotional depths of Sam Vickery's last book (One Last Second) when I signed up for this book. I knew I was in for something that would break my heart but that I would also love. The writing is so authentic that we almost become the characters because we can feel their emotions so vivdly.
Katherine's devastation at the death of both her baby girl and the potential for more natural children is very realistic and absolutely hearbreaking to read.
Meanwhile we see chapters from Hazel's unhappy marriage which explain how she became the overbearing mother she is today. As both a mother and a daughter, I can see both sides of the story. It is a difficult balance!
Family relationships are delicately negotiated and emotional issues are handled sensitively over the course of the book. The flashback chapters offer us a greater understanding of how the past is impacting on decisions in the present. The use of the first person narrative for Katherine and Hazel allows us to explore their emotions in depth.
My Only Child is an emotional and enjoyable book but have the tissues ready!
I'd only just recovered from the emotional depths of Sam Vickery's last book (One Last Second) when I signed up for this book. I knew I was in for something that would break my heart but that I would also love. The writing is so authentic that we almost become the characters because we can feel their emotions so vivdly.
Katherine's devastation at the death of both her baby girl and the potential for more natural children is very realistic and absolutely hearbreaking to read.
Meanwhile we see chapters from Hazel's unhappy marriage which explain how she became the overbearing mother she is today. As both a mother and a daughter, I can see both sides of the story. It is a difficult balance!
Family relationships are delicately negotiated and emotional issues are handled sensitively over the course of the book. The flashback chapters offer us a greater understanding of how the past is impacting on decisions in the present. The use of the first person narrative for Katherine and Hazel allows us to explore their emotions in depth.
My Only Child is an emotional and enjoyable book but have the tissues ready!
October 14, 2020
I was delighted to be able to read an ARC of this latest book by Sam Vickery and thoroughly enjoyed it. Katherine is the only child of Hazel who is what I would describe as a helicopter parent in that she is, or would like to be, constantly hovering over her daughter. However Katherine doesn't appreciate her mother's fussing and when she becomes pregnant decides not to tell her that she is expecting twins. Sadly one of the twins, a girl Adriana, doesn't survive though the little boy, Jamie, is healthy. Katherine is also devastated to learn that she had an emergency hysterectomy so won't be able to have any more children. Her mother is aware of the hysterectomy but still didn't know that one baby has died. However Hazel has secrets of her own and when Katherine informs her that they are planning on adopting another child, she is not supportive and tries to persuade Katherine's husband Davis that this isn't a good idea. The relationship between the two women goes from bad to worse but will the adoption of Aaron being them closer again?
March 20, 2021
My only child is a raw, heart rending, emotional read that will tug at your heart strings and make your eyes water!
Sensitive topics such a stillbirth, alcoholism, induced menopause and adoption are all sensitively covered in a compassionate realistic manner!
As a mother you can empathise with some of the decisions made and the long term consequences of this due mainly due to the intensity and power of a mother’s love.
Katherine and Davis a married couple are eagerly awaiting the birth of twins, Hazel, Katherines mother would love to be involved in their lives and that of her grandchildren but is kept at arms length by them even during the most traumatic, devastating experience that they go through! as the book evolves we find out more about Hazels life and the sacrifices she has made in order to become a mother and how this has affected her relationship with Katherine.
Fortunately once past secrets are revealed, healing, forgiveness and the power of love result in a lovely ending.
Thank you netgalley for this early read.
Sensitive topics such a stillbirth, alcoholism, induced menopause and adoption are all sensitively covered in a compassionate realistic manner!
As a mother you can empathise with some of the decisions made and the long term consequences of this due mainly due to the intensity and power of a mother’s love.
Katherine and Davis a married couple are eagerly awaiting the birth of twins, Hazel, Katherines mother would love to be involved in their lives and that of her grandchildren but is kept at arms length by them even during the most traumatic, devastating experience that they go through! as the book evolves we find out more about Hazels life and the sacrifices she has made in order to become a mother and how this has affected her relationship with Katherine.
Fortunately once past secrets are revealed, healing, forgiveness and the power of love result in a lovely ending.
Thank you netgalley for this early read.
May 21, 2021
This story is alternately narrated by Katherine, who loses a twin during a difficulty childbirth that results in a hysterectomy, and Hazel, her overbearing mother. Both characters are hugely annoying. Katherine is self-centered, whiny, and unable to get over, even slightly, the tragedy that befell her. Her mother is controlling, or at last tries to be, and is not really believable. She claims to have loved her husband (he’s dead by the time the novel begins), couldn’t possibly have divorced him and couldn’t ever love anyone else. This incredible husband was an alcoholic who came drunk to his wedding, who refused to have sex with his wife (for a ridiculous reason) and who gave little attention to his wife and child, spending his evenings after work at the pub. If the author had depicted Hazel as mentally deranged her loyalty to him might have made some sense, but despite her problems, Hazel’s fairly normal.
So why 4 stars? Because I couldn’t put the book down. I wanted to find out what happened and despite its faults I found the fairy tale ending satisfying.
So why 4 stars? Because I couldn’t put the book down. I wanted to find out what happened and despite its faults I found the fairy tale ending satisfying.
November 1, 2020
The book starts when a pregnant Katherine and her husband Davis are having dinner at Katherine’s mother Hazel’s house, and Katherine’s waters break. Rushed to hospital she awakes to learn she has a healthy baby boy, but she was pregnant with twins but she kept it a secret from her mother, wanting to surprise her when they were born. As if losing a child is not enough, all Katherine’s hopes and dreams of a big family are dashed when she is told that she cannot have any more children. She can’t even talk about the baby she lost, because only her and Davis know.
Added to that is the tense relationship between Katherine and Hazel that seems that it will never get better. Katherine resents her for mollycoddling her. Hazel doesn’t understand why the resentment, she was trying to do right by her daughter, to protect her. Then there is Davis who also doesn’t see eye to eye with Hazel. It is a family in turmoil.
Told in multiple perspectives, Hazel‘s from the past, her marriage, how she lives through that period of her life and also in the present, lots of secrets are lingering and they do eventually come out. Katherine’s perspective is very different, it was so sad, heart wrenching, how she deals with the loss and grief of her baby girl, coming to terms with not being able to have another biological child and her determination to add to her family.
This book did have me in tears several times throughout it. It was a tough read, perhaps because I am a mother, I don’t know. I just felt a deep sadness that did eventually life as the book went on.
It was very well written, in a true to life way, of a mother and daughter relationship that went off the rails and how they manage to rebuild it eventually. It was so emotional so grab your tissues before starting it. But be warned, just as you think it’s safe to put the tissues away, you will need them again.
Added to that is the tense relationship between Katherine and Hazel that seems that it will never get better. Katherine resents her for mollycoddling her. Hazel doesn’t understand why the resentment, she was trying to do right by her daughter, to protect her. Then there is Davis who also doesn’t see eye to eye with Hazel. It is a family in turmoil.
Told in multiple perspectives, Hazel‘s from the past, her marriage, how she lives through that period of her life and also in the present, lots of secrets are lingering and they do eventually come out. Katherine’s perspective is very different, it was so sad, heart wrenching, how she deals with the loss and grief of her baby girl, coming to terms with not being able to have another biological child and her determination to add to her family.
This book did have me in tears several times throughout it. It was a tough read, perhaps because I am a mother, I don’t know. I just felt a deep sadness that did eventually life as the book went on.
It was very well written, in a true to life way, of a mother and daughter relationship that went off the rails and how they manage to rebuild it eventually. It was so emotional so grab your tissues before starting it. But be warned, just as you think it’s safe to put the tissues away, you will need them again.
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