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My Silent Daughter
Your daughter will not speak… But can she teach you how to live?
Ever since Ruby was tiny, she has been unique. Her smiles are magically rare, her building blocks are always colour-coded, and she communicates only in gestures. Sometimes, being Ruby’s mother is hard, but the way she sees the world makes it new for Sara every day.
When Sara’s husband walks out on them, Sara’s world falls apart, and her mother-in-law, Barbara, is the only person Sara can turn to for help. But Barbara thinks Ruby’s problems are all in Sara’s head; that she just doesn’t know how to raise a child right.
Sara can’t see how she’ll cope alone. Barbara won’t listen. Can a girl who doesn’t speak show them the way?
A powerful emotional page-turner about motherhood, friendship and family. Guaranteed to take your breath away. Perfect for fans of A Boy Made of Blocks, Jodi Picoult and Jojo Moyes.
This novel was previously titled Where I Found You.
Ever since Ruby was tiny, she has been unique. Her smiles are magically rare, her building blocks are always colour-coded, and she communicates only in gestures. Sometimes, being Ruby’s mother is hard, but the way she sees the world makes it new for Sara every day.
When Sara’s husband walks out on them, Sara’s world falls apart, and her mother-in-law, Barbara, is the only person Sara can turn to for help. But Barbara thinks Ruby’s problems are all in Sara’s head; that she just doesn’t know how to raise a child right.
Sara can’t see how she’ll cope alone. Barbara won’t listen. Can a girl who doesn’t speak show them the way?
A powerful emotional page-turner about motherhood, friendship and family. Guaranteed to take your breath away. Perfect for fans of A Boy Made of Blocks, Jodi Picoult and Jojo Moyes.
This novel was previously titled Where I Found You.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2019
1651 people are currently reading
693 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 119 reviews
August 16, 2019
Ruby has been quite a handful ever since she was a tiny baby, never content, crying often. Sara loves Ruby, now three, so much yet there are tell-tale signs that something might not be quite right with her daughter and that she might need a professional opinion.
Things become worse for the family when they move in with Barbara, Sara’s husband Mike’s mother, whilst they save up to buy their own home. Barbara is of the generation where children who had difficulties were seen as just plain rude or naughty. She is also quite posh and likes to keep up appearances to her neighbours and friends and Ruby not communicating and not doing as Barbara wants her to don’t go down well with her.
Mike is useless, more concerned with trying to make a career as an actor and sponging off his mother than being a loving husband or father. They are too much effort for him and he will try any trick in the book not to have to spend time with Ruby.
Once Sara gets Ruby into pre-school and she starts a part-time job she notices Ruby’s difficulties more and knows that she must help her daughter the best she can and in trying to do so she realises a lot about herself too.
Where I Found You really touched a nerve with me as I am the mother of an Autistic sixteen-year-old. From him being little I could see something wasn’t right but I not only had to fight to get a diagnosis but also relatives too who either didn’t want to believe or wore blinkers. Being the mother of an Autistic child hardens you to the world as you see how cruel people can be and not only the Joe Bloggs on the street but those who are suppose to be there to help. It can also be the most worthy job when your child reaches milestones or does something you never expect them too.
People believed that Sara was mollycoddling her daughter, making her that way, doing things for her so that she doesn’t get a chance to do them herself, including her husband and mother-in-law. A mother’s instinct is very powerful and I’m glad Sara stuck to what she believed.
This is an emotional book that will resonate with any parent who has a child with a mental health issue. It is touching and truthful too. It will pull at your heart-strings and will open your eyes. A beautiful book that I flew through and didn’t want to put down.
Things become worse for the family when they move in with Barbara, Sara’s husband Mike’s mother, whilst they save up to buy their own home. Barbara is of the generation where children who had difficulties were seen as just plain rude or naughty. She is also quite posh and likes to keep up appearances to her neighbours and friends and Ruby not communicating and not doing as Barbara wants her to don’t go down well with her.
Mike is useless, more concerned with trying to make a career as an actor and sponging off his mother than being a loving husband or father. They are too much effort for him and he will try any trick in the book not to have to spend time with Ruby.
Once Sara gets Ruby into pre-school and she starts a part-time job she notices Ruby’s difficulties more and knows that she must help her daughter the best she can and in trying to do so she realises a lot about herself too.
Where I Found You really touched a nerve with me as I am the mother of an Autistic sixteen-year-old. From him being little I could see something wasn’t right but I not only had to fight to get a diagnosis but also relatives too who either didn’t want to believe or wore blinkers. Being the mother of an Autistic child hardens you to the world as you see how cruel people can be and not only the Joe Bloggs on the street but those who are suppose to be there to help. It can also be the most worthy job when your child reaches milestones or does something you never expect them too.
People believed that Sara was mollycoddling her daughter, making her that way, doing things for her so that she doesn’t get a chance to do them herself, including her husband and mother-in-law. A mother’s instinct is very powerful and I’m glad Sara stuck to what she believed.
This is an emotional book that will resonate with any parent who has a child with a mental health issue. It is touching and truthful too. It will pull at your heart-strings and will open your eyes. A beautiful book that I flew through and didn’t want to put down.
July 15, 2019
Sara and her husband Mike have moved in with Mike's mother while they find a new home. They have a three year old daughter Ruby.
Sara is finding things difficult with her daughter as she very seldom speaks and has huge temper tantrums if things are not done in a particular way.
Nobody is listening to Sara's concerns about her daughter and her husband is blaming her for being overly protective.
Having gone through this myself with my daughter, I was in Sara's corner all the way through this story and I know the fight she will have to get any help with this situation. This story felt very true to life for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sara is finding things difficult with her daughter as she very seldom speaks and has huge temper tantrums if things are not done in a particular way.
Nobody is listening to Sara's concerns about her daughter and her husband is blaming her for being overly protective.
Having gone through this myself with my daughter, I was in Sara's corner all the way through this story and I know the fight she will have to get any help with this situation. This story felt very true to life for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2019
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Sara is more than pleased to be a mother. However, she knows her three-year-old Ruby is unique. She met several milestones as expected, but has stopped speaking. Furthermore, Ruby's play is guided by order - she color codes her toys, lines them up perfectly, and will repeat playful tasks repeatedly.
Mike thinks Ruby is a typical child. What is more, so does Mike's mother, Barbara. Currently, Mike has returned to acting, his first love that he gave up after marriage and fatherhood. Partly due to this, Mike has convinced Sara that moving in with Barbara will be best for the family financially. Mike can work hard on the play he just got hired to, and the couple can save money for a home of their own.
So, not only is Sara worried about Ruby, she is now living in the home of a woman who never showed her much consideration or respect. As a matter of fact, she second-guesses Sara at every turn, whereas Mike can do no wrong.
Sara takes a huge step, actually more than one. Not only does she find a part-time job, she even enrolls Ruby into a pre-school. This opens the door for Sara to act on her suspensions that things are not quite right with Ruby. After all, Sara is concerned for Ruby's happiness and future, as any well-meaning mother would be. Not only is Sara living in Barbara's home, she wakes up to discover that Mike has left them and that she is now a single parent.
What a touching story! Where I Found You not only focuses on Sara working on obtaining a diagnosis for Ruby, and where she might be on the autism spectrum, she also works on her dream of being an artist, finding friends she can rely on, and even growing in her relationship with her mother-in-law.
Emma Robinson has delivered an effective story and has handled it with grace. As I have a grandson and nephew who are autistic, I felt very comfortable with how Ms. Robinson wrote this story, including expressing how isolated Sara felt at times. I truly enjoy her writing and do look forward to reading much more in the future.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Sara is more than pleased to be a mother. However, she knows her three-year-old Ruby is unique. She met several milestones as expected, but has stopped speaking. Furthermore, Ruby's play is guided by order - she color codes her toys, lines them up perfectly, and will repeat playful tasks repeatedly.
Mike thinks Ruby is a typical child. What is more, so does Mike's mother, Barbara. Currently, Mike has returned to acting, his first love that he gave up after marriage and fatherhood. Partly due to this, Mike has convinced Sara that moving in with Barbara will be best for the family financially. Mike can work hard on the play he just got hired to, and the couple can save money for a home of their own.
So, not only is Sara worried about Ruby, she is now living in the home of a woman who never showed her much consideration or respect. As a matter of fact, she second-guesses Sara at every turn, whereas Mike can do no wrong.
Sara takes a huge step, actually more than one. Not only does she find a part-time job, she even enrolls Ruby into a pre-school. This opens the door for Sara to act on her suspensions that things are not quite right with Ruby. After all, Sara is concerned for Ruby's happiness and future, as any well-meaning mother would be. Not only is Sara living in Barbara's home, she wakes up to discover that Mike has left them and that she is now a single parent.
What a touching story! Where I Found You not only focuses on Sara working on obtaining a diagnosis for Ruby, and where she might be on the autism spectrum, she also works on her dream of being an artist, finding friends she can rely on, and even growing in her relationship with her mother-in-law.
Emma Robinson has delivered an effective story and has handled it with grace. As I have a grandson and nephew who are autistic, I felt very comfortable with how Ms. Robinson wrote this story, including expressing how isolated Sara felt at times. I truly enjoy her writing and do look forward to reading much more in the future.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 29, 2019
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Where I Found You was a beautiful and emotional read. It is about a mother's love and the struggle she will face to provide a full and happy life for her daughter. Sara loves her daughter Ruby with all her heart and only wants the best for her. But that isn't always easy, especially if your husband is irresponsible. So when he walks out on them one day, she will have to do everything on her own. Fortunately, her mother-in-law Barbara is there and wants to help them the best way she can. However, the relationship between Sara and Barbara isn't really good in the beginning. Ruby is unique and does things in a particular way. My heart broke for Sara and her frustration in not being able to fully understand what was going on with her daughter. She wants the best for her, and felt like a failure many times when she couldn't get through to her daughter. However, her determination was beautiful to read and thankfully she had people who supported her.
The main reason I didn't give this book a higher rating was because it didn't feel like a complete story. Especially the last quarter felt a bit rushed and the story ended before I got to see Sara fully grow. I think a couple of extra chapters would've been better in showing what happened after the major decisions Sara made in her life. I also wanted more of Ruby and see her grow. The epilogue was nice but not nearly enough to satisfy me. I would love a sequel to this book, but overall it was still a very nice and enjoyable read as a stand-alone. I recommend this book if the blurb caught your interest. I don't read a lot of Women's Fiction, but have been enjoying this genre a lot the last year. I'll definitely continue to read more books in this genre, and I will check out Emma Robinson's other books as well.
Where I Found You was a beautiful and emotional read. It is about a mother's love and the struggle she will face to provide a full and happy life for her daughter. Sara loves her daughter Ruby with all her heart and only wants the best for her. But that isn't always easy, especially if your husband is irresponsible. So when he walks out on them one day, she will have to do everything on her own. Fortunately, her mother-in-law Barbara is there and wants to help them the best way she can. However, the relationship between Sara and Barbara isn't really good in the beginning. Ruby is unique and does things in a particular way. My heart broke for Sara and her frustration in not being able to fully understand what was going on with her daughter. She wants the best for her, and felt like a failure many times when she couldn't get through to her daughter. However, her determination was beautiful to read and thankfully she had people who supported her.
The main reason I didn't give this book a higher rating was because it didn't feel like a complete story. Especially the last quarter felt a bit rushed and the story ended before I got to see Sara fully grow. I think a couple of extra chapters would've been better in showing what happened after the major decisions Sara made in her life. I also wanted more of Ruby and see her grow. The epilogue was nice but not nearly enough to satisfy me. I would love a sequel to this book, but overall it was still a very nice and enjoyable read as a stand-alone. I recommend this book if the blurb caught your interest. I don't read a lot of Women's Fiction, but have been enjoying this genre a lot the last year. I'll definitely continue to read more books in this genre, and I will check out Emma Robinson's other books as well.
February 21, 2021
What a great book! I really enjoy Emma Robinson's writing style, full of emotion and heart and very real honesty. Sara is a young mother struggling to best care for her three-year-old daughter, Ruby. When she and her husband move in with his mother to save money, it makes their lives more complicated and stressful, with his mother's passive aggressive behaviour and also Ruby's delayed speech and seemingly antisocial behaviour. Can Sara find a way forward both for her and her daughter?
What follows is a tender, loving and lovely story about motherhood, friendship, doing what's right, and doubting if you know what that is. A story so many can relate to and enjoy. Highly recommended!
What follows is a tender, loving and lovely story about motherhood, friendship, doing what's right, and doubting if you know what that is. A story so many can relate to and enjoy. Highly recommended!
August 22, 2019
Emma Robinson's Where I Found You really pulls at your heartstrings. The main character, Sara, knows her daughters milestones aren't being met, therefore tries to find out why.
I don't know alot about Autism, so I am so glad I read this book. Its given me more of an understanding.
Great read.
I don't know alot about Autism, so I am so glad I read this book. Its given me more of an understanding.
Great read.
August 17, 2019
Sara struggles day-to-day with her daughter Ruby; beautiful, independent and closed off from the world. Once Ruby could talk, now she won’t, once she was an easy baby and now she’s a difficult toddler. Sara thinks something is wrong but no one will listen, including her less than useful husband, Mike.
This book gradually draws you into Sara’s small closed in world and then gradually expands again when things begin to change. A novel about a struggling mother and an autistic child may sound a little depressing but this novel is full of hope and inspiration - I’d like an hour in Leonard’s gallery or a quiet drink in the local pub.
This book gradually draws you into Sara’s small closed in world and then gradually expands again when things begin to change. A novel about a struggling mother and an autistic child may sound a little depressing but this novel is full of hope and inspiration - I’d like an hour in Leonard’s gallery or a quiet drink in the local pub.
March 28, 2021
?Where I Found You
by Emma Robinson
Publication date: August 16, 2019
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Publisher: Bookouture
Description:
Ever since Ruby was tiny, she has been unique. Her smiles are magically rare, her building blocks are always colour-coded, and she communicates only in gestures. Sometimes being Ruby’s mother is hard, but the way she sees the world makes it new for Sara every day. And she and her husband work hard to give their daughter the happy family life she deserves. So when Sara’s husband walks out on them without any warning, Sara’s world falls apart. She can’t imagine life without him. He was the only other person who could calm Ruby down, and who Sara could rely on to hold her in his arms and listen after a long, exhausting day of pleading with Ruby to eat, calm down, explain why she’s crying. Without other family of her own, her mother-in-law, Barbara, is the only person Sara can turn to for help. But Barbara thinks Ruby’s problems are all in Sara’s head; that she just doesn’t know how to raise a child right. Alongside dealing with her difficult mother-in-law, Sara is also juggling a new job and the emotional wrench of Ruby starting pre-school, all alone while her heart is breaking. It feels like a struggle to give Ruby the warm, stable home she deserves and Sara just can’t see how she will cope alone. But then Ruby surprises them. Can a little girl who doesn’t speak show both women the way?
🏡MY REVIEW🏡
Where I Found You is a well written,unforgettable, heartbreaking,emotional, beautiful story about a mothers love .
I laughed and I cried in several places. I could not put this book down because I was so drawn into it. I wanted to jump into the book and give Sara and Ruby a hug. It is so hard being the parent of a special needs child. Not only is it hard to get the help a child needs it's also hard to deal with people who don't understand.
This story will forever will stay with me. Emma Robinson had me drawn in from the very first page.The characters were all well drawn . Some I hated others I loved. I felt so connected to some of them like I knew them personally. I especially loved the mom Sarah and her daughter Ruby. By the end of the book my mind changed somewhat about the mother-in-law. I didn't hate her as much but I still didn't like her. And don't even get me started on Ruby's dad gerrrr. This book took me on one heck of an emotional roller coaster. I laughed , smiled ,got mad, and cried. Boy did i cry and get mad . I was at the kids doctor office while reading this and boy did I get some strange looks.
I highly recommend reading this story with a box of tissues nearby. I loved how the author reminds us that life doesn’t always work out how we planned and that's okay. I do hope the author writes another book about these characters because I would love to read more. I was not ready to say good bye !
This author is new to me, but I will look forward to more from her. Many thanks to the Publisher , the Author , and NetGalley for a ARC copy of this interesting book in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. As always if you like the book you read please take the time to leave a review for the author in places like goodreads & Amazon. It does not have to be long. Just a few sentences saying you liked the book will do. Authors really appreciate every review they get !
#WhereIfoundYou #NetGalley
by Emma Robinson
Publication date: August 16, 2019
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Publisher: Bookouture
Description:
Ever since Ruby was tiny, she has been unique. Her smiles are magically rare, her building blocks are always colour-coded, and she communicates only in gestures. Sometimes being Ruby’s mother is hard, but the way she sees the world makes it new for Sara every day. And she and her husband work hard to give their daughter the happy family life she deserves. So when Sara’s husband walks out on them without any warning, Sara’s world falls apart. She can’t imagine life without him. He was the only other person who could calm Ruby down, and who Sara could rely on to hold her in his arms and listen after a long, exhausting day of pleading with Ruby to eat, calm down, explain why she’s crying. Without other family of her own, her mother-in-law, Barbara, is the only person Sara can turn to for help. But Barbara thinks Ruby’s problems are all in Sara’s head; that she just doesn’t know how to raise a child right. Alongside dealing with her difficult mother-in-law, Sara is also juggling a new job and the emotional wrench of Ruby starting pre-school, all alone while her heart is breaking. It feels like a struggle to give Ruby the warm, stable home she deserves and Sara just can’t see how she will cope alone. But then Ruby surprises them. Can a little girl who doesn’t speak show both women the way?
🏡MY REVIEW🏡
Where I Found You is a well written,unforgettable, heartbreaking,emotional, beautiful story about a mothers love .
I laughed and I cried in several places. I could not put this book down because I was so drawn into it. I wanted to jump into the book and give Sara and Ruby a hug. It is so hard being the parent of a special needs child. Not only is it hard to get the help a child needs it's also hard to deal with people who don't understand.
This story will forever will stay with me. Emma Robinson had me drawn in from the very first page.The characters were all well drawn . Some I hated others I loved. I felt so connected to some of them like I knew them personally. I especially loved the mom Sarah and her daughter Ruby. By the end of the book my mind changed somewhat about the mother-in-law. I didn't hate her as much but I still didn't like her. And don't even get me started on Ruby's dad gerrrr. This book took me on one heck of an emotional roller coaster. I laughed , smiled ,got mad, and cried. Boy did i cry and get mad . I was at the kids doctor office while reading this and boy did I get some strange looks.
I highly recommend reading this story with a box of tissues nearby. I loved how the author reminds us that life doesn’t always work out how we planned and that's okay. I do hope the author writes another book about these characters because I would love to read more. I was not ready to say good bye !
This author is new to me, but I will look forward to more from her. Many thanks to the Publisher , the Author , and NetGalley for a ARC copy of this interesting book in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. As always if you like the book you read please take the time to leave a review for the author in places like goodreads & Amazon. It does not have to be long. Just a few sentences saying you liked the book will do. Authors really appreciate every review they get !
#WhereIfoundYou #NetGalley
August 10, 2019
This is the beautifully written story of motherhood, family and friends. Sara and Mike are married and their daughter, Ruby, is 3 years old. Ruby is prone to temper tantrums, has quit speaking and is quite difficult at times. Sara suspects something is wrong but Mike refuses to believe it or even help here with their daughter. He wants to pursue his acting career so they move back in with his mother. I really enjoyed this very touching story. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this heart-warming book.
August 19, 2019
A few days ago I read a wonderful emotional book. I thought I had spent every tear I had, but while reading this one, I found I had several left.
As a parent you want to do everything you can for your children and when something does not seem quite right, the best way to deal with it is as a team. But what if you are not on the same wavelength? Who is right and who is wrong? What if your partner is convinced that you overreact? Will you let it go or are they playing ostrich and burry their head in the sand? Does mum know best?
This is a very beautiful tale. Did the author keep us a bit in the dark because she is working on a sequel? I would not mind that at all. I was not ready to say goodbye. I wanted to stay and see what happens next. Maybe, just maybe …? 5 stars.
Thank you, Emma Robinson and Bookouture (via Netgalley)
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
As a parent you want to do everything you can for your children and when something does not seem quite right, the best way to deal with it is as a team. But what if you are not on the same wavelength? Who is right and who is wrong? What if your partner is convinced that you overreact? Will you let it go or are they playing ostrich and burry their head in the sand? Does mum know best?
This is a very beautiful tale. Did the author keep us a bit in the dark because she is working on a sequel? I would not mind that at all. I was not ready to say goodbye. I wanted to stay and see what happens next. Maybe, just maybe …? 5 stars.
Thank you, Emma Robinson and Bookouture (via Netgalley)
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
April 13, 2021
Eye-opening Book
What a special book about a special girl and her loving mother. I loved everything about this book. Highly recommended.
What a special book about a special girl and her loving mother. I loved everything about this book. Highly recommended.
August 14, 2019
The cover simply melted my heart. I had to read this story. Innocence was never so clearly depicted as on this cover. Armed with tissues, I started reading this story by Emma Robinson. I didn't require the tissues. This book was all about courage and hope.
Sara loved her daughter Ruby, but in her heart knew that something was different with her. She shared her concerns with her escapist actor husband Mike, who was ever ready to brush her concerns away. He didn't want to face the challenges. Both lived in his mother, Barbara's home and one day, he left. He found things too difficult. THE ASS!!
Relationship between Sara and Barbara was rocky, to say the least. The syiry took some turns, revelations and secrets were shared, and a new pathway was forged. Sara learned to find her own way and realized that she had the help if she could just lean into it.
The first thing I realized was that Emma's writing was very soothing, welcoming. I knew I could spend time in this story, getting to know the characters and understand what the mother and daughter duo were trying to tell me.
The story was of a mother's fight for her daughter. It showed her struggle and her love along with her warring dreams and aspirations. Her daughter might be on the autism spectrum. And it took all her courage to wrap her fears in and find a way for her daughter.
The author has written every word authentically. The story portrayed all of Sara's feelings. It showed her constant worry, the criticism by other mothers, the fear for her daughter's future. Every sentence in the book touched my heart.
Emma Robinson is a masterful storyteller who has taken a difficult subject and written a story dipped in the ink of love. Sometimes mothers have to paint a different picture with their daughters in mind. But all of them would be beautiful and pure, just like her love.
Sara loved her daughter Ruby, but in her heart knew that something was different with her. She shared her concerns with her escapist actor husband Mike, who was ever ready to brush her concerns away. He didn't want to face the challenges. Both lived in his mother, Barbara's home and one day, he left. He found things too difficult. THE ASS!!
Relationship between Sara and Barbara was rocky, to say the least. The syiry took some turns, revelations and secrets were shared, and a new pathway was forged. Sara learned to find her own way and realized that she had the help if she could just lean into it.
The first thing I realized was that Emma's writing was very soothing, welcoming. I knew I could spend time in this story, getting to know the characters and understand what the mother and daughter duo were trying to tell me.
The story was of a mother's fight for her daughter. It showed her struggle and her love along with her warring dreams and aspirations. Her daughter might be on the autism spectrum. And it took all her courage to wrap her fears in and find a way for her daughter.
The author has written every word authentically. The story portrayed all of Sara's feelings. It showed her constant worry, the criticism by other mothers, the fear for her daughter's future. Every sentence in the book touched my heart.
Emma Robinson is a masterful storyteller who has taken a difficult subject and written a story dipped in the ink of love. Sometimes mothers have to paint a different picture with their daughters in mind. But all of them would be beautiful and pure, just like her love.
October 9, 2019
Oh my goodness! I read most of this book with tears in my eyes, and was openly weeping by the end. This is such a beautiful, emotional story.
Sara and husband Mike, together with daughter Ruby, move in with Mike's mother Barbara whilst they save enough for a deposit for their own home. Whilst it is extremely generous of Barbara, it is far from ideal for the young family. For Sara it is especially hard, as Barbara dotes on Michael, criticises Sara's parenting and gushes about the perfect family next door.
Little Ruby is certainly a handful. She's not talking, doesn't mix with other children and plays with the same toys in the same way over and over again. Sara is unwilling to let anyone help because they won't know how to do things right for Ruby, but it's so hard. She is beginning to realise that Ruby isn't like other kids, that maybe there's something wrong, but she gets no family support and doesn't have any friends, until she finally starts to let people in.
I was so keen to read this book. I have a really good friend with a son on the high end of the autistic spectrum. His 'symptoms' are much less severe than Ruby's, and he is fantastic, but he has had some of the same struggles, just to a much lesser degree. And many of my friend's worries and concerns were similar to Sara's. But every mother and father will recognise them. We all want the very best for our children, for them to be happy, feel loved, so well. It's just a harder journey for some than others. And I don't think this is a book just for parents. It's for anyone who has someone they advocate for, encourage or support. I am very privileged to work with disabled adults, and the main part of my job is to help them to be as independent and fulfilled as they can be, and this story resonated for me there too.
For me, this book is about recognising that we are all unique. It's about sometimes reshaping our ideas for the future. It's about celebrating the small things. And it's about family, friends and asking for help.
All of the above is poignantly done in Where I Found You. I adored Sara and cried and cheered with and for her. Her changing and often challenging relationship with Barbara is so interesting, and I think will resonate with many parents of children with additional needs. And we find out there is so much more to both Barbara and perfect next door neighbour Lisa than it seems at first glance. For me though, the stand out character was Leonard, whose quiet acceptance of Ruby and encouragement for Sara was lovely to read.
This was a beautiful read and one that will stay with me. I was deeply moved by it (there was ugly crying) and would urge everyone to read it. It's not soppy, gushy or preachy, but an accessible, relatable tale of love, friendship, acceptance and hope. And I would love to see how Ruby's doing in about 15 years time!
Sara and husband Mike, together with daughter Ruby, move in with Mike's mother Barbara whilst they save enough for a deposit for their own home. Whilst it is extremely generous of Barbara, it is far from ideal for the young family. For Sara it is especially hard, as Barbara dotes on Michael, criticises Sara's parenting and gushes about the perfect family next door.
Little Ruby is certainly a handful. She's not talking, doesn't mix with other children and plays with the same toys in the same way over and over again. Sara is unwilling to let anyone help because they won't know how to do things right for Ruby, but it's so hard. She is beginning to realise that Ruby isn't like other kids, that maybe there's something wrong, but she gets no family support and doesn't have any friends, until she finally starts to let people in.
I was so keen to read this book. I have a really good friend with a son on the high end of the autistic spectrum. His 'symptoms' are much less severe than Ruby's, and he is fantastic, but he has had some of the same struggles, just to a much lesser degree. And many of my friend's worries and concerns were similar to Sara's. But every mother and father will recognise them. We all want the very best for our children, for them to be happy, feel loved, so well. It's just a harder journey for some than others. And I don't think this is a book just for parents. It's for anyone who has someone they advocate for, encourage or support. I am very privileged to work with disabled adults, and the main part of my job is to help them to be as independent and fulfilled as they can be, and this story resonated for me there too.
For me, this book is about recognising that we are all unique. It's about sometimes reshaping our ideas for the future. It's about celebrating the small things. And it's about family, friends and asking for help.
All of the above is poignantly done in Where I Found You. I adored Sara and cried and cheered with and for her. Her changing and often challenging relationship with Barbara is so interesting, and I think will resonate with many parents of children with additional needs. And we find out there is so much more to both Barbara and perfect next door neighbour Lisa than it seems at first glance. For me though, the stand out character was Leonard, whose quiet acceptance of Ruby and encouragement for Sara was lovely to read.
This was a beautiful read and one that will stay with me. I was deeply moved by it (there was ugly crying) and would urge everyone to read it. It's not soppy, gushy or preachy, but an accessible, relatable tale of love, friendship, acceptance and hope. And I would love to see how Ruby's doing in about 15 years time!
June 28, 2019
Where to start? I could write a PhD thesis on this book and the subjects it explores, not just a review so apologies for the waffling. As a mum of two autistic sons, I spent the majority of the book nodding vigorously at the content and situations that Sara, mum of beautiful Ruby, finds herself in. You really feel the sheer sense of being overwhelmed and alone, and I hope that this book and others like it get into the hands of readers, to spread the awareness and stop the judgement. (Told you I would waffle). The writer nailed her research and I absolutely broke down in laughter at the naked soft play comment. This has happened to be IRL and it's pretty funny (though not at the time!). I love how accurate the book is, and how it slots together into an ultimately uplifting masterpiece.
This story is fabulous, and I loved reading it. I cried happy and sad tears, read parts out to family and friends, and thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. Barbara is a complex, meaty character and her love for Ruby and her family whilst sometimes seemingly clumsy, is all done through love. Parents are all just doing their best and trying not to fail, and this book shows that in spades. A mother will do anything for her child, no matter how hard things get or seemingly impossible the task seems to be.
Robinson is a writer that hooks you in to the characters, you feel their pain, and will them to overcome the odds. Essential reading for anyone - I hope this book flies. 6 out of 5 sadly doesn't work in the review game, but I stand by my rating. A must read. I wish I had it 8 years ago, I really do.
This story is fabulous, and I loved reading it. I cried happy and sad tears, read parts out to family and friends, and thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. Barbara is a complex, meaty character and her love for Ruby and her family whilst sometimes seemingly clumsy, is all done through love. Parents are all just doing their best and trying not to fail, and this book shows that in spades. A mother will do anything for her child, no matter how hard things get or seemingly impossible the task seems to be.
Robinson is a writer that hooks you in to the characters, you feel their pain, and will them to overcome the odds. Essential reading for anyone - I hope this book flies. 6 out of 5 sadly doesn't work in the review game, but I stand by my rating. A must read. I wish I had it 8 years ago, I really do.
June 28, 2019
I don't usually read this type of book and wasn't sure I would like it.
I didn't like , I loved it !!!
You laugh, you cry, you cheer on Ruby, Sheila and even her mother in law Barbara.
There is a very good story in Where I Found You and I was turning the pages as fast as I could .
My first but not last book by Emma Robinson.
Thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read Where I Found You.
I didn't like , I loved it !!!
You laugh, you cry, you cheer on Ruby, Sheila and even her mother in law Barbara.
There is a very good story in Where I Found You and I was turning the pages as fast as I could .
My first but not last book by Emma Robinson.
Thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read Where I Found You.
August 10, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy...
Omg! What a heartbreaking story I ever read! I feel for beautiful Ruby who can’t speak or anything else..Glad that Sara had some support foe her and Ruby that they needed help..this is my absolute favourite book ever!
Looking forward to read more book from this author soon...
Omg! What a heartbreaking story I ever read! I feel for beautiful Ruby who can’t speak or anything else..Glad that Sara had some support foe her and Ruby that they needed help..this is my absolute favourite book ever!
Looking forward to read more book from this author soon...
August 12, 2019
First, I want to thank Emma Robinson, Bookouture, and NetGalley for providing this book so I may bring you this review.
Emma Robinson’s Where I Found You was an incredibly gripping, powerful, uplifting story of a mother’s love. This book is full of lots of drama, secrets, betrayal, infidelity, a lot of high emotions. However, in all that you get to meet a very sweet 3-year-old Ruby who will pull on your heart strings.
Kudos to the graphic designer who designed this cover. You definitely pulled on my heart strings and it made me curious to see what the book was about.
I am not a Mom but a very proud Auntie. I don’t know what I would do if my daughter could not talk at that age. Sara is one of the strongest characters in this book and my heart went out to her. I don’t know how I would have stayed that strong through all she was dealing with. I felt every emotion that Sara went through. Everytime that Ruby learned something new like climbing up to go down the slide I smiled ear to ear.
In every book there seems to be one person I am not a fan of. In this book it was Sara’s husband. I wanted to smack him so hard! He is a boy not a man. Running away from responsibility because he couldn’t handle it! Couldn’t face the truth about his daughter! Oh he upset me so!
This book started off a little on slow side for my liking. However, it has a shocking revelation that I never saw coming!!
Emma Robinson’s Where I Found You was an incredibly gripping, powerful, uplifting story of a mother’s love. This book is full of lots of drama, secrets, betrayal, infidelity, a lot of high emotions. However, in all that you get to meet a very sweet 3-year-old Ruby who will pull on your heart strings.
Kudos to the graphic designer who designed this cover. You definitely pulled on my heart strings and it made me curious to see what the book was about.
I am not a Mom but a very proud Auntie. I don’t know what I would do if my daughter could not talk at that age. Sara is one of the strongest characters in this book and my heart went out to her. I don’t know how I would have stayed that strong through all she was dealing with. I felt every emotion that Sara went through. Everytime that Ruby learned something new like climbing up to go down the slide I smiled ear to ear.
In every book there seems to be one person I am not a fan of. In this book it was Sara’s husband. I wanted to smack him so hard! He is a boy not a man. Running away from responsibility because he couldn’t handle it! Couldn’t face the truth about his daughter! Oh he upset me so!
This book started off a little on slow side for my liking. However, it has a shocking revelation that I never saw coming!!
August 19, 2019
This is an emotional story full of mother love and is a delightful read. There are lots of mothers who are key to the story, but the main character is Sara, the mother of Ruby. Her husband convinces her to move with him to stay with his mother to enable them to save up to buy a property rather than keep renting. His mother is Barbara and she obviously loves Ruby but seems unsupportive of Sara though whatever her son does she always seems to enthusiastically endorse. When he follows his dreams and abandons them, Barbara constantly suggests Ruby’s problems are a figment of Sara’s imagination and that Sara doesn’t know how to bring her child up properly. With everyone undermining her, can Ruby help bring these two together?
You just have to feel for Sara in this story, but there are always secrets to be revealed which will explain Barbara’s attitude. It is great to read how other mothers really help Sara and friendships develop which will impact on her knowledge, attitude and what will happen to Ruby in future. It is a moving story with the love of mothers at its heart and a real page turner. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys reading stories with families, friendship and children.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
You just have to feel for Sara in this story, but there are always secrets to be revealed which will explain Barbara’s attitude. It is great to read how other mothers really help Sara and friendships develop which will impact on her knowledge, attitude and what will happen to Ruby in future. It is a moving story with the love of mothers at its heart and a real page turner. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys reading stories with families, friendship and children.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
July 20, 2019
Excellent book. Hard subject but dealt with superbly. Was right into this one, couldn't put it done. Was the first for me from this author will be looking for more from her.
Thanks to the publisher and net galley for an early release of this book.
Thanks to the publisher and net galley for an early release of this book.
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December 8, 2022This was such a gripping story I couldn’t put it down. I’ve read one other book by Emma Robinson and am really enjoying the true to life characters and situations that I find in her stories. This story of a child with autism and how a mothers deals with it was close to my heart and gave me a lot of knowledge that I didn’t have. Thank you to Emma.
March 13, 2021
As someone who works with children with autism, this topic is always interesting to me. I thought this book was a very realistic portrayal of a young child with autism and the emotions and experiences that Sara goes through were very much what I see from families.
July 3, 2019
As parents, we have all wondered are we doings enough? Are we over reacting? Is this normal? This is the story of a mother following her instincts, and embracing the inner mummy bear to protect and stand up for her cub.
What an absolutely stunning book. I love the situations it looks at in depth and the struggles of a mother, let alone a mother of a SEN child. The relationship that builds between Sara and Barabra is just so heart warming. I think it shows throughout the book, that no matter what happens to you in your life you should never ever judge a book by its cover. You never know what is going on behind closed doors, or behind that face that is smiling at you.
Fantastic book, it made me laugh, it made me cry and it certainly made me relate to the characters in so many different ways.
What an absolutely stunning book. I love the situations it looks at in depth and the struggles of a mother, let alone a mother of a SEN child. The relationship that builds between Sara and Barabra is just so heart warming. I think it shows throughout the book, that no matter what happens to you in your life you should never ever judge a book by its cover. You never know what is going on behind closed doors, or behind that face that is smiling at you.
Fantastic book, it made me laugh, it made me cry and it certainly made me relate to the characters in so many different ways.
April 16, 2021
Amazing story of painting a new picture
Emma Robinson is a gifted writer. This is the second of her books that I’ve read, after “My Husband’s Daughter”. Robinson is strong in character development and creating the most unexpected alliances, as people are not always what they project. But she illustrates again and again if we just paint a different picture we can experience life in a whole new way,
Emma Robinson is a gifted writer. This is the second of her books that I’ve read, after “My Husband’s Daughter”. Robinson is strong in character development and creating the most unexpected alliances, as people are not always what they project. But she illustrates again and again if we just paint a different picture we can experience life in a whole new way,
August 25, 2019
I love Emma’s voice in her books, there’s a sense of realism threaded through the stories you don’t find in many places. I know that sounds redundant in any kind of contemporary setting but things that other writers glaze over in those stories are the bones of what Emma writes.
This story is about a mother coming to terms with her daughter possibly being special needs while juggling through all the other parts life throws your way. What I thought was particularly good was the way she wrote Ruby (the daughter)’s autism signs. Sometimes Ruby feels distant as a character in a book full of well fleshed people and that gives a real sense of what Sara is going through. Because Ruby isn’t like anyone else.
I also love the way that no character is Bad. You learn everyone’s reasons for the way they are. They’re held to the choices they make but you see them make choices and the only Bad comes when it affects someone else negatively. Like when Kevin tries to come good for his son, when you learn Barbara’s history, when Lisa demonstrates that the grass isn’t greener on her side. And even Mike makes sense.
What I love most, as a single mother who is the one with health issues (the inverse of this story) is how Sara is stronger when Mike isn’t around. How she grows when challenged and doesn’t give in when he comes back just because it might be easier. Emma nails what it’s like as a single parent, needing help, not wanting to burden anyone, feeling all the responsibility. Her solutions are logical too, the SEN mums and the work connections making the load lighter for Sara, showing her the light at the end of the tunnel.
If I have any real issues, it’s that I blinked and this story was over. I wish there had been more!
This story is about a mother coming to terms with her daughter possibly being special needs while juggling through all the other parts life throws your way. What I thought was particularly good was the way she wrote Ruby (the daughter)’s autism signs. Sometimes Ruby feels distant as a character in a book full of well fleshed people and that gives a real sense of what Sara is going through. Because Ruby isn’t like anyone else.
I also love the way that no character is Bad. You learn everyone’s reasons for the way they are. They’re held to the choices they make but you see them make choices and the only Bad comes when it affects someone else negatively. Like when Kevin tries to come good for his son, when you learn Barbara’s history, when Lisa demonstrates that the grass isn’t greener on her side. And even Mike makes sense.
What I love most, as a single mother who is the one with health issues (the inverse of this story) is how Sara is stronger when Mike isn’t around. How she grows when challenged and doesn’t give in when he comes back just because it might be easier. Emma nails what it’s like as a single parent, needing help, not wanting to burden anyone, feeling all the responsibility. Her solutions are logical too, the SEN mums and the work connections making the load lighter for Sara, showing her the light at the end of the tunnel.
If I have any real issues, it’s that I blinked and this story was over. I wish there had been more!
August 18, 2019
Where I Found You: A gripping powerful uplifting story of a mother’s love by [Robinson, Emma]This is a well written story about a difficult subject matter.
Ruby is a three year old who doesn't talk much, and depends on routine. Her father walks out on her and her mom, Sara. However, Sara feels like there is something wrong with her little girl. Ruby is diagnosed with autism.
I have read many non-fiction books about autism but this is the first fictional one that grabbed my heart and helped me to see autism from the family perspective. This is so well-done that I felt like I was part of the family from the beginning.
Beautifully written. Thank you Bookouture and Netgalley for allowing me to read the arc of this story.
I was given this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Ruby is a three year old who doesn't talk much, and depends on routine. Her father walks out on her and her mom, Sara. However, Sara feels like there is something wrong with her little girl. Ruby is diagnosed with autism.
I have read many non-fiction books about autism but this is the first fictional one that grabbed my heart and helped me to see autism from the family perspective. This is so well-done that I felt like I was part of the family from the beginning.
Beautifully written. Thank you Bookouture and Netgalley for allowing me to read the arc of this story.
I was given this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
August 18, 2019
I have been a fan of Emma’s work for a while now. I read the synopsis for ‘Where I Found You’ and it certainly sounded like the sort of book I would like to read. A book that makes you think and makes you look at things in a different light. Well this book certainly did both of those things for me. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Where I Found You’ but more about that in a bit.
I really felt for Sara and I took to her from the start. She is the mother of a young child called Ruby, who has problems communicating. Ruby doesn’t talk but she communicates by gestures. Sara didn’t have the best of starts or childhoods herself and she wants to ensure that Ruby has the childhood that Sara didn’t have. Life isn’t easy for Ruby but Sara does what she can to protect Ruby and to stick up for Ruby. I don’t blame her as I feel exactly the same way about my goddaughter who has Cerebral Palsy. Sara gets very little help from other people and her husband walks out on her. I wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to give him a good slapping with a wet fish for walking out on his marriage and for walking out on his daughter who needs him more than ever. As for his mother, the delightful (not) Barbara, well she needs a slap or a shake or both. Barbara seems very critical of Sara and accuses her of being a bad mother and not parenting Ruby as she (Barbara) thinks she (Sara) should. Barbara is keeping her own little secret, which isn’t revealed until later on in the book. Barbara got on my nerves and I wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to sort her out. There’s no excuse for being so rude about her daughter-in-law and criticising Sara’s parenting of Ruby. Barbara should be more supportive, considerate and helpful with her granddaughter, not making Sara feel like poop. I kept everything crossed that Sara and Ruby found the happy ever after ending and lives that they so deserved. Does this happen? Well for the answers to this question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Oh my, this book was a really emotional read for me. As soon as I began to read, I became totally wrapped up in the story and I just had to keep reading to see how the story panned out and if Ruby and Sara got the happiness that they so deserved. The pages turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out how the story concluded steadily grew. I couldn’t get enough of this story and the book travelled everywhere with me. I lost all track of time whilst reading this book and I finished the book quicker than I had intended to.
As with Emma’s other books, ‘Where I Found You’ is another cracking and fantastically written book. She grabs your attention from the start and keeps that attention all the way through the book by keeping the characters real, their problems relatable and by keeping the story fresh. Emma has certainly tapped into the problems that parents of disabled children come up against and how they deal with said problems. She also helps to show just how ignorant certain people can be and that they can be challenged on their views or on their treatment of others. This is a book that illustrates the power of a mother’s love for her child.
In short, I did enjoy this emotional but also heartwarming read. Emma has another hit on her hands with ‘Where I Found You’ and it is bound to go to the top of the bestsellers list, which is nothing less than it deserves. I will definitely be recommending this book to other readers. The score on the Ginger Book Geek is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
I really felt for Sara and I took to her from the start. She is the mother of a young child called Ruby, who has problems communicating. Ruby doesn’t talk but she communicates by gestures. Sara didn’t have the best of starts or childhoods herself and she wants to ensure that Ruby has the childhood that Sara didn’t have. Life isn’t easy for Ruby but Sara does what she can to protect Ruby and to stick up for Ruby. I don’t blame her as I feel exactly the same way about my goddaughter who has Cerebral Palsy. Sara gets very little help from other people and her husband walks out on her. I wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to give him a good slapping with a wet fish for walking out on his marriage and for walking out on his daughter who needs him more than ever. As for his mother, the delightful (not) Barbara, well she needs a slap or a shake or both. Barbara seems very critical of Sara and accuses her of being a bad mother and not parenting Ruby as she (Barbara) thinks she (Sara) should. Barbara is keeping her own little secret, which isn’t revealed until later on in the book. Barbara got on my nerves and I wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to sort her out. There’s no excuse for being so rude about her daughter-in-law and criticising Sara’s parenting of Ruby. Barbara should be more supportive, considerate and helpful with her granddaughter, not making Sara feel like poop. I kept everything crossed that Sara and Ruby found the happy ever after ending and lives that they so deserved. Does this happen? Well for the answers to this question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Oh my, this book was a really emotional read for me. As soon as I began to read, I became totally wrapped up in the story and I just had to keep reading to see how the story panned out and if Ruby and Sara got the happiness that they so deserved. The pages turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out how the story concluded steadily grew. I couldn’t get enough of this story and the book travelled everywhere with me. I lost all track of time whilst reading this book and I finished the book quicker than I had intended to.
As with Emma’s other books, ‘Where I Found You’ is another cracking and fantastically written book. She grabs your attention from the start and keeps that attention all the way through the book by keeping the characters real, their problems relatable and by keeping the story fresh. Emma has certainly tapped into the problems that parents of disabled children come up against and how they deal with said problems. She also helps to show just how ignorant certain people can be and that they can be challenged on their views or on their treatment of others. This is a book that illustrates the power of a mother’s love for her child.
In short, I did enjoy this emotional but also heartwarming read. Emma has another hit on her hands with ‘Where I Found You’ and it is bound to go to the top of the bestsellers list, which is nothing less than it deserves. I will definitely be recommending this book to other readers. The score on the Ginger Book Geek is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
August 18, 2019
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
I really don't know how to begin this review. I'm pretty torn with my thoughts on this book, to be perfectly honest.
Anyone who has children will find the first few chapters this book incredibly difficult to read. I was so overcome with emotion, my body had no idea how to expel it. My heart went out to little Ruby and the fact that she didn't know how to make herself heard. Not only that, my heart went out to her mum, Sara, too. I wanted to shake her husband because he was being an absolute -insert bad word here-. Just because he couldn't see further than his nose, it didn't mean that Sara was wrong and should be ignored. A little support would have gone a long, long way and perhaps the whole situation wouldn't have been as much of an emotional turmoil for Sara if she had had his support in the first place. And then there's Barbara. I took an instant dislike to her because she was an interfering bat. Sara is Ruby's mother, not her! Her constant interfering alongside her sons incapability to think of anyone other than himself, made me so angry. I just wanted to make everything okay for Ruby, you know?
As the storyline progressed, things regarding Barbara start making sense, however whilst I was able to show her more empathy, she seemed to want Sara on side one minute and then go behind her back the next. Which one was it to be? By the end of the book, I didn't dislike Barbara, thankfully, I just didn't trust her as far as I could throw her.
I thought the addition of the art and being able to let Ruby flourish with anyone expecting too much of her, was so touching and filled me with happiness from top to toe. However, this is where I began to feel torn with my opinion. The first three quarters of the story was intense, emotional, and unique to Ruby's personality, so when the story started to fast forward without much of an explanation, I couldn't help but be a bit confused. I was unsure as to why the latter half of the book ended up feeling rushed with several things being unanswered. It just didn't seem to fit with the rest of the book and gave off a different vibe.
That said, I could feel the emotion and the thought behind everything Sara did for Ruby. For me, that little girl was the star of the show and was such an incredible character to read about and get to know. I was also pleased that Sara was listened to, it was just a shame that it took so long. And yeah, I am aware that that is what happens in reality, and it shouldn't at all.
To all the parents who have a child like Ruby, you are superheroes for having their backs.
To all the children like Ruby, you are legends of your own castle.
To Emma Robinson, thank you for such an honest and emotive read.
I really don't know how to begin this review. I'm pretty torn with my thoughts on this book, to be perfectly honest.
Anyone who has children will find the first few chapters this book incredibly difficult to read. I was so overcome with emotion, my body had no idea how to expel it. My heart went out to little Ruby and the fact that she didn't know how to make herself heard. Not only that, my heart went out to her mum, Sara, too. I wanted to shake her husband because he was being an absolute -insert bad word here-. Just because he couldn't see further than his nose, it didn't mean that Sara was wrong and should be ignored. A little support would have gone a long, long way and perhaps the whole situation wouldn't have been as much of an emotional turmoil for Sara if she had had his support in the first place. And then there's Barbara. I took an instant dislike to her because she was an interfering bat. Sara is Ruby's mother, not her! Her constant interfering alongside her sons incapability to think of anyone other than himself, made me so angry. I just wanted to make everything okay for Ruby, you know?
As the storyline progressed, things regarding Barbara start making sense, however whilst I was able to show her more empathy, she seemed to want Sara on side one minute and then go behind her back the next. Which one was it to be? By the end of the book, I didn't dislike Barbara, thankfully, I just didn't trust her as far as I could throw her.
I thought the addition of the art and being able to let Ruby flourish with anyone expecting too much of her, was so touching and filled me with happiness from top to toe. However, this is where I began to feel torn with my opinion. The first three quarters of the story was intense, emotional, and unique to Ruby's personality, so when the story started to fast forward without much of an explanation, I couldn't help but be a bit confused. I was unsure as to why the latter half of the book ended up feeling rushed with several things being unanswered. It just didn't seem to fit with the rest of the book and gave off a different vibe.
That said, I could feel the emotion and the thought behind everything Sara did for Ruby. For me, that little girl was the star of the show and was such an incredible character to read about and get to know. I was also pleased that Sara was listened to, it was just a shame that it took so long. And yeah, I am aware that that is what happens in reality, and it shouldn't at all.
To all the parents who have a child like Ruby, you are superheroes for having their backs.
To all the children like Ruby, you are legends of your own castle.
To Emma Robinson, thank you for such an honest and emotive read.
September 18, 2019
This is the first of Emma’s books I’ve read and I’ll be honest, it wasn’t what I was expecting. Far more touchy-feely than I assumed her other writing has been, but that’s a wonderful thing; always good to try out new styles and tones. However, it means it fell more in to a genre I don’t usually enjoy, which means it has a way to go to get my thumbs up.
Sadly, this took me over a month to read – though, I would like to point out that’s more to do with my chaotic lifestyle at the moment than whether the story gripped me, or not. However, it does mean that my reading occasionally felt a bit disjointed, if I hadn’t been able to pick it up for a few days. For me, the biggest problem was that there were no real peaks in the story, no cliff-hangers to anchor yourself to. It all just chugged along quite nicely, with not a huge amount happening.
My other problem is that as a SEN parent, the topic area was tricky, to say the least. Firstly, major hats off to Emma for doing her research. I would honestly have bet money she knew exactly what it was like to start down the route of an ASD diagnosis. That realism and attention to detail is awesome … unless it’s your life.
I read to escape, and all this did was remind me how darn hard I’ve had to fight in the past for my son, and how hard I am now having to fight for another one of our children. Equally, ASD is, at times, as hilarious as it is heartbreaking and exhausting. It would be nice to see the funnier side of the diagnosis … I feel an idea taking form here.
I therefore can’t say I “enjoyed” this book, in the strictest sense. Finally, it all seemed a little rushed towards the end. I remember getting to 95% and thinking there was a lot that would have to happen for the book to end … and it didn’t. Some nice touches, but I think it really needed more. I was left feeling like I’d had a snack, when I fancied a full meal. I desperately wanted to see Sara develop, and grow her Mamma bear claws.
Tough one, but I’m probably going to have to go with a 3 for this (thought it’s a good 3.5, if that’s allowed?). It was good, nothing terrible about it, was definitely enjoyable in most parts, but it was probably just a bit too close to home for me to say “Yeah, it’s amazing”.
As I said, major credit for the wonderful research, the emotional perspective, and the sensitive way the topic has been handled.
I will definitely be reading some of her other work (already got Happily Never After lined up on the Kindle!).
Sadly, this took me over a month to read – though, I would like to point out that’s more to do with my chaotic lifestyle at the moment than whether the story gripped me, or not. However, it does mean that my reading occasionally felt a bit disjointed, if I hadn’t been able to pick it up for a few days. For me, the biggest problem was that there were no real peaks in the story, no cliff-hangers to anchor yourself to. It all just chugged along quite nicely, with not a huge amount happening.
My other problem is that as a SEN parent, the topic area was tricky, to say the least. Firstly, major hats off to Emma for doing her research. I would honestly have bet money she knew exactly what it was like to start down the route of an ASD diagnosis. That realism and attention to detail is awesome … unless it’s your life.
I read to escape, and all this did was remind me how darn hard I’ve had to fight in the past for my son, and how hard I am now having to fight for another one of our children. Equally, ASD is, at times, as hilarious as it is heartbreaking and exhausting. It would be nice to see the funnier side of the diagnosis … I feel an idea taking form here.
I therefore can’t say I “enjoyed” this book, in the strictest sense. Finally, it all seemed a little rushed towards the end. I remember getting to 95% and thinking there was a lot that would have to happen for the book to end … and it didn’t. Some nice touches, but I think it really needed more. I was left feeling like I’d had a snack, when I fancied a full meal. I desperately wanted to see Sara develop, and grow her Mamma bear claws.
Tough one, but I’m probably going to have to go with a 3 for this (thought it’s a good 3.5, if that’s allowed?). It was good, nothing terrible about it, was definitely enjoyable in most parts, but it was probably just a bit too close to home for me to say “Yeah, it’s amazing”.
As I said, major credit for the wonderful research, the emotional perspective, and the sensitive way the topic has been handled.
I will definitely be reading some of her other work (already got Happily Never After lined up on the Kindle!).
July 24, 2019
Michael (aka Mike) is married to Sara, and they have a daughter, Ruby.
The book opens with them relocating temporarily to Mike’s mother, Barbara, so that they could save up on some money and eventually find a permanent place for themselves.
Sara was a painter and Mike is a budding theatre actor.
Though Sara is not looking forward to the relocation, she has her family’s best interests in mind.
Barbara doesn’t seem to care much about Sara – and her efforts with Ruby fall flat.
It seems no one can understand Ruby like her mother does – and Sara comes across as over-protective.
At 4 years of age, Ruby can barely speak (unlike her counterparts) and she has an obsession for lining things up, in straight line. She is not very social, which adds to Ruby’s anxiety.
To make matters worse, Barbara is smitten with her next-door-neighbour, Lisa, who is the perfect mother and wife.
Sara decides to enroll Ruby in a pre-school and takes up a job at a local bar, where her boss is Kevin, a single-father to Callum.
Between the bar and Ruby, Sara barely finds any time for herself or others.
She is keen to monitor Ruby’s progress in school and does everything possible to keep her happy.
In this process, she stumbles upon a local quaint art gallery, managed by Leonard – and the mother-daughter duo totally hit it off: both with the gallery and its owner.
Things take a turn for the worse, when Sara learns that Ruby’s inability to speak may be due to signs of autism on the same day as Mike decides to leave her.
What happens next forms the crux of the story.
With no husband and no money, she has only Barbara to turn to for support. But Barbara too has secrets of her own, vis-à-vis, Lisa.
She has made new friends with the mummies at Ruby’s school, and then there is her camaraderie with Kevin and Leonard – but nothing seems to be working for Sara.
Will Sara find a way to cope?
Is Ruby really autistic?
What about Mike – does he come back?
And Barbara – what secret, could she be possibly holding?
Brilliant, powerful, emotional and a heart-rending tale of two mothers, who think that they are doing the best they can for their children.
Mothers’ love never changes. They worry, think about them, want their best, and it’s irrespective of how old the child gets, or how little they give in return.
A tad slow, and a bit repetitive at places – when things seemed to be obvious.
Hence, 4/5 for me
The book opens with them relocating temporarily to Mike’s mother, Barbara, so that they could save up on some money and eventually find a permanent place for themselves.
Sara was a painter and Mike is a budding theatre actor.
Though Sara is not looking forward to the relocation, she has her family’s best interests in mind.
Barbara doesn’t seem to care much about Sara – and her efforts with Ruby fall flat.
It seems no one can understand Ruby like her mother does – and Sara comes across as over-protective.
At 4 years of age, Ruby can barely speak (unlike her counterparts) and she has an obsession for lining things up, in straight line. She is not very social, which adds to Ruby’s anxiety.
To make matters worse, Barbara is smitten with her next-door-neighbour, Lisa, who is the perfect mother and wife.
Sara decides to enroll Ruby in a pre-school and takes up a job at a local bar, where her boss is Kevin, a single-father to Callum.
Between the bar and Ruby, Sara barely finds any time for herself or others.
She is keen to monitor Ruby’s progress in school and does everything possible to keep her happy.
In this process, she stumbles upon a local quaint art gallery, managed by Leonard – and the mother-daughter duo totally hit it off: both with the gallery and its owner.
Things take a turn for the worse, when Sara learns that Ruby’s inability to speak may be due to signs of autism on the same day as Mike decides to leave her.
What happens next forms the crux of the story.
With no husband and no money, she has only Barbara to turn to for support. But Barbara too has secrets of her own, vis-à-vis, Lisa.
She has made new friends with the mummies at Ruby’s school, and then there is her camaraderie with Kevin and Leonard – but nothing seems to be working for Sara.
Will Sara find a way to cope?
Is Ruby really autistic?
What about Mike – does he come back?
And Barbara – what secret, could she be possibly holding?
Brilliant, powerful, emotional and a heart-rending tale of two mothers, who think that they are doing the best they can for their children.
Mothers’ love never changes. They worry, think about them, want their best, and it’s irrespective of how old the child gets, or how little they give in return.
A tad slow, and a bit repetitive at places – when things seemed to be obvious.
Hence, 4/5 for me
July 22, 2019
Mothers: We've all had epic doubts, daily stresses and masses of worrying about whether we are doing the right thing. It's just not widely spoken about. Neither is anxiety. The crippling kind that keeps you indoors, your eyes downcast. This book hits the nail right on the head. It's a story that every mother, regardless of circumstances, can relate to and should read. The way the author articulates Sara's thoughts is exactly how us mothers think and worry and second-guess ourselves. One quote in particular has stayed with me:
"Steps. Stages. Milestones. The books tell you what to expect, but they don't tell you how you might feel. The creeping anxiety if they haven't got a tooth yet, or smiled, or spoken, or taken a step. The relief when they do and then the...sadness? No, that wasn't quite right. It wasn't sadness. It didn't make you feel blue. More...turquoise. Pride tinged with nostalgia. Happiness tinted with fear. Love shaded with loss."
This story literally could have been written about me. From moving in with the mother in law to the estranged parent that I actually also have in Harlow! There were multiple times where I had 'double-take' moments and had to reread a sentence out of shock or disbelief. I was routing for Sara the whole way through the book, for her voice to be heard. I also loved watching Sara and Barbara's relationship unfold, despite seriously disliking the woman at times I felt a sense of pride towards her at the end. The writing flowed at a great pace and I really could not put this book down. A brilliant story that gave me all the feels. This was my first book by Emma Robinson but it definitely won't be my last!
"Steps. Stages. Milestones. The books tell you what to expect, but they don't tell you how you might feel. The creeping anxiety if they haven't got a tooth yet, or smiled, or spoken, or taken a step. The relief when they do and then the...sadness? No, that wasn't quite right. It wasn't sadness. It didn't make you feel blue. More...turquoise. Pride tinged with nostalgia. Happiness tinted with fear. Love shaded with loss."
This story literally could have been written about me. From moving in with the mother in law to the estranged parent that I actually also have in Harlow! There were multiple times where I had 'double-take' moments and had to reread a sentence out of shock or disbelief. I was routing for Sara the whole way through the book, for her voice to be heard. I also loved watching Sara and Barbara's relationship unfold, despite seriously disliking the woman at times I felt a sense of pride towards her at the end. The writing flowed at a great pace and I really could not put this book down. A brilliant story that gave me all the feels. This was my first book by Emma Robinson but it definitely won't be my last!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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