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To Save My Child

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‘I would do anything for you to get well again, baby girl.’ It’s a promise. Even though it means asking her father for help, going back there, risking everything. Whatever the cost, there’s no hesitation in my mind. Because that’s what you do when you’re a mother.

Single mother Anna’s six-year-old daughter Libby is her whole world. Having escaped a marriage that was threatening to destroy her, Anna has managed to get their lives back on track. Looking at Libby’s sweet, heart-shaped face, Anna is filled with hope for the future. They have each other and nothing else matters.

But then Libby gets ill, with a rare disorder that means she needs a transplant from a relative if she’s going to survive. And when Anna discovers she herself isn’t a match, there’s only one person she can turn to.

So she picks up the phone, and dials a number she hoped she’d never have to call again. The man she once ran from. Her daughter’s father. She’s scared he’ll want them to come back home, scared he’ll be able to break her all over again. But Anna knows what she has to do, what any mother would.

Because if there’s a chance to save your daughter’s life, wouldn’t you do whatever it takes?

An unforgettable, heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting story from the bestselling author of My Husband’s Daughter, this novel is perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain and Jojo Moyes.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2021

618 people are currently reading
290 people want to read

About the author

Emma Robinson

26 books271 followers
Emma 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Debra - can't post any comments on site today grrr.
3,263 reviews36.5k followers
October 26, 2021
Anna, now a single mother after leaving a toxic marriage, is raising her daughter, Libby alone. They are doing well, and Anna has high hopes for their future, but Libby collapses one day and at the hospital, Anna is given devastating news. Libby needs a transplant, and she needs it sooner than later. She hoped to never speak to him again. She hoped he would be in the past. But Libby needs a transplant and Anna needs to find a donor.

Anna is willing to do whatever it takes to save her child.

This book gripped me from the start, and I was invested in the story. I could not help but feel for Anna and Libby. As Anna tries to find a donor for her daughter, I could feel her anxiety, fear, sense of powerlessness, and heartache jumping off the page.

This is a moving book about motherhood, illness, grief, the bonds between mothers and daughters, hope and resiliency. My heartstrings were pulled, and I had my fingers crossed the entire book. There were two characters in this book that I wanted to shake some sense into.

The author did her research when it came to kidney disease, dialysis, kidney donation and finding a donor. This made the book all too real and helped stir up emotion while making the book feel authentic. I enjoyed the writing and will be on the lookout more books by Emma Robinson in the future.

Moving, Gripping and Heartfelt.


Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Profile Image for Vanessa Menezes.
548 reviews168 followers
December 27, 2022
A powerful story about every parent's worst nightmare when their child falls sick, and the extent a parent will go to do the best for their child.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun .
2,441 reviews217 followers
September 28, 2021
Full of raw emotion and well-defined, authentic characters, To Save My Child explores the power of family and friendship in the most challenging circumstances. Readers feel the angst of a mother’s fight for her child as well as the constant worry and fear for their future.

Due to unfortunate circumstances surrounding abuse, Anna Ferguson and her 6-year-old daughter, Libby, leave home and move close to Anna’s mother who can offer support. Anna, weakened by domestic abuse, manipulation and narcissism, needs to find the strength to fight for her daughter. When she has to confront the person she fears most in order to save the person she loves the most, it takes every ounce of courage she can summon. The plot is propelled by the suspense of trying to find a cure for her daughter.

Robinson’s use of the third-person point of view was fantastic. I love her free indirect style and stream of consciousness because it put me right there with the characters. Robinson’s character development is exquisite. She doesn’t fall into the trap of telling, but rather uses everything from relationships to clothing choices to reveal her character’s traits. The range of characters offers a wonderful balance to the narrative and features wonderful, strong, supportive relationships against a destructive one. Although not a mother nor never having dealt with a terminal illness, I could still identify with a character who says one thing but does another! I felt the pain of pretending that everything is fine on the surface, but wanting to scream while treading water frantically behind the scene.

This superbly written novel explores organ donation and controlling relationships. A tear-jerker, this one must be read with a box of tissues handy. Emma Robinson is an author I can trust to deliver a five-star read.

Publishes October 26, 2021.

I was gifted this advance copy by Emma Robinson, Bookouture, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Profile Image for Michelle Claypot_Reads.
2,511 reviews61 followers
September 22, 2021
This one is definitely a tear jerker story. The author chose a subject that is every mother’s nightmare. There is a whole lot of angst and emotional turmoil in this one. I teamed up more than once. But the father in this book was just vile. A true narcissist and at times his awfulness had me raging so much I had to pause my reading. It was a great read.

I received an arc of this book.
Profile Image for Robin Loves Reading.
2,888 reviews451 followers
October 27, 2021
What wouldn't you do for your child? Anna's world turned upside down when she discovered her six-year-old daughter Libby had serious kidney disease and needed immediate medical intervention. Anna would move heaven and earth for Libby and in this incredibly touching read by Emma Robinson Anna's battle for her daughter proved heartbreaking time and again.

From the moment Anna learned of Libby's condition she took steps to give Libby every fighting chance she could. Anna was more than prepared to give up one of her kidneys, but sadly that wasn't an option. Due to a difficult marriage and its aftermath, contacting Libby's father was something that would be extremely difficult. But, this is Libby. No difficulty would be out of reach for Anna. While it was clear that Anna is fighting for Libby, would Libby's father have that same attitude?

What an incredibly sensitive story. Anna's fears for Libby's health were palbable. Seeing the things Libby's father was putting out there increased the tension in this story, keeping my heart in a vice from beginning to end. As a mother I would do anyting for my children, even now as they are adults. I wanted to grab Libby's ex by the throat and shake him, that is how real this story and the events as they played out made me feel. Conversely, I wanted to wrap Anna and Libby into a warm hug.

As this inspiring story developed, watching and hoping events would turn truly warmed my heart. The writing was excellent and the research about kidney disease made To Save My Child a touching, brilliant and memorable story. This book is a perfect example of how Emma Robinson has a way of tugging at your heartstrings with her stories and this remarkable book definitely proved that.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Kerrie Kelly.
388 reviews10 followers
December 11, 2021
Another emotional rollercoaster from Emma
What would you do to save your child’s life? How far would you go?
I have been through every emotion reading this book. Anger, happiness, sadness and yes at one point big fat tears.

When single mum Anna’s 6 year old daughter is diagnosed with kidney failure she wants nothing more than to be able to save her. Unfortunately for Anna it seems her blood type isn’t compatible and she is therefore not a viable donor, she reluctantly turns to Libby’s dad to ask him to help her. What father wouldn’t do this for their child right? It seems not all father’s want what’s best for their child. What can Anna do to help him change his mind? Will Libby be ok?

I fell in love with little Libby and young Max, the little boy she meets in dialysis and instantly warmed to both mothers who just want the best for their children.
I felt their pain at their children’s illness and the fact they couldn’t make them better themselves

Emma really drew on all the emotions with this story and I highly recommend

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this title .
688 reviews20 followers
September 17, 2021
Another great read from Emma Robinson who has that unique ability to detail the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child despite the situation they find themselves in. A marriage breakdown, a child with a life limiting illness, lies, deceit and difficult decisions! A situation that any parent would hate to be in made worse by a narcissistic ex, yet out of all this the most beautiful altruistic gift from a virtual stranger who is coming to terms with her own grief and loss, makes for a heartbreakingly poignant read that covers the emotional rollercoaster of organ transplantation and the many complications associated with it, a real tear jerker in places, suspenseful in others and totally engaging throughout!
Thank you netgalley for this early read.
78 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2024
Love of a child

So sad that a child has to go thru this, but even worse that her father was so selfish that he wouldn’t try to save his own child due to not having control. But the love that 2 kids going through the same thing meant a lot. Shows that kids are so strong.
Profile Image for Bookworm86 .
1,973 reviews137 followers
October 29, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'To Save My Child' by Emma Robinson.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Emma Robinson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 26th October 2021.

This is the third book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'My Husband's Daughter' and 'His First Wife's Secret' which I highly recommend.


I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'An unforgettable, heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting story from the bestselling author of My Husband’s Daughter, this novel is perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain and Jojo Moyes.' I am a huge fan of all three authors so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Emma and if this is half as good as 'My Husband's Daughter' and 'His First Wife's Secret' it is sure to be a page turning read. 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 42 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 Essex 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, 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 where the scenes are set at times. I have in fact visited Essex on many occasions including this year so am looking forward to possibly recognising name places.

This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonist being Anna Ferguson. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that 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.

'To Save My Child' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Emma discusses/includes child illness.

Wow!!! Where to even begin?? Mind you it's hard enough to write this with blurry eyes through tears!! Oh yes, that emotional even I shed tears!!!

I start by saying that Emma Robinson is a very talented author and I cannot wait to get dug into more of her books. She is definitely on par with several of my favourite authors including Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Nicholas Sparks and has been added to this list so well done there!!!

The book itself is written so well that it reads so smoothly from chapter to chapter with brilliant descriptions and settings perfect for the scene. Itreally dragged me deep into the story and I became completely invested until I came out the other end with tears streaming down my face.

The storyline is absolutely heartbreaking and a real tear jerker. It is also an absolutely beautiful story of love, loss and family!! It is filled with love, family, selfishness, abuse, regrets, selflessness, heartbreak and much much more. It was an absolute roller-coaster ride of emotions. This story is definitely a mother's worst nightmare and you will definitely not only need to clear your schedules when you start this as you will not be able to put it down but you need to make sure you have tissues at the ready!!! I cried, screamed, smiled, my heart broke, I seen evil and then a hero. I can't say too much as I don't want to give too much a way. Needless to say it is a beautiful book and an absolute page turner!!!

The characters are all realistic and described so well I really felt that I got to know them all. I became completely invested in not only Anna but Libby too. It tore me apart watching Ryan destroy Anna's life and much more but I can't say anymore as I really don't want to spoil it for others. Needless to say I couldn't stand the man!!! I also had a major problem with someone else but they did redeem themselves in my eyes. I also became invested in Tim, Julie and Max's story and well..... Eurgh!!! I think if I say anything else I will spoil things but just trust me you need to read this book and you will know what u mean and feel!!! I loved that they were a mix of personalities and I enjoyed watching the relationships between each grow and develop. I admired Libby's strength and Anna's dedication and loyalty as a Mum and honestly just everything about them and the storyline was perfect. Another character that stood out for me was Tina who was such a lovely and caring friend, anyone would be lucky to have a friend like Tina!! I would LOVE to see this turned into a movie!!!!

Overall an absolute page turning, tear jerking beautiful story of love, loss and family.

Genres covered in this novel include Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Emotional Drama and Fiction amongst others.


I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Nicholas Sparks, Jojo Moyes, Jodi Picoult, 'My Sisters Keeper' and just anyone looking for a beautiful read.


304 pages.

This book is just £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.

Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews

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487 reviews20 followers
September 15, 2021
I chose this book based on my past experience reading “My Husband’s Child” (5 Stars) by this author. In this latest offering, the bonds between mother and child and women as friends and family are once again highlighted. However, it did not touch me as deeply as the first book – perhaps because the male antagonist epitomized a classic narcissist, which made the story line a bit clichéd.

Anna Ferguson left her emotionally abusive husband after discovering him in bed with another woman. Now living in her own home with Libby, her six year old daughter, she is finally beginning to feel settled. Then the unthinkable happens: Libby is diagnosed with a chronic health condition that can be managed medically, but ultimately requires an organ transplant to ensure her health. To her dismay, Anna is not a compatible match and after exhausting all family resources to find a donor, she turns in desperation to Ryan, her soon-to-be ex-husband. As Libby’s father, he is likely a good match. Once he realizes he now has leverage over Anna again, Ryan begins a campaign of manipulation and deceit that can only be described as cruel and heartless.

I enjoyed the progression of Anna’s character as she struggles to put her daughter’s best interests above her desire to avoid any and all involvement with Ryan. She recognizes how much she lost her sense of self in the marriage and is determined not to succumb to his Jekyll and Hyde persona. It was painful to observe her attempts to set limits and absorb his insults in order to soothe his ego and ensure his cooperation as a potential donor for Libby. Equally challenging was to witness his callous attitude toward his own daughter. On a more positive note, the female relationships in the story shine through with the strength and love that not only supports, but uplifts Anna.

The element of suspense woven in to the search for a donor kept the pace of this book moving along. It was hard to put down and I finished it quickly. The author has the ability to write deeply evocative prose that reveals the spectrum of emotions, particularly the love between a mother and child. Despite the repulsive nature of Anna’s estranged husband, this is not a male-bashing exercise. There are two very caring and solid adult male characters in the book that provide much-needed balance.

I enjoyed this book and will continue to seek out this author’s future books. My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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Profile Image for Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews.
1,307 reviews109 followers
October 23, 2021
First, I want to thank Emma Robinson, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.

Ohhh Emma Robinson fans break out the boxes of tissues, clear your schedules, get your beverage of choice and get comfy in your fave chair for her latest must read To Save My Child! Emma will tug on your heartstrings oh so hard and make you cry like a baby in this book!! You will feel compassion for so many of the characters that you will want to literally jump into the book and hug them.

Emma would like to dedicate this book to Isobel who makes her stories bigger, better and braver.

I have been a fan of Emma’s for a while now and I don’t think there isn’t a book of hers I have not liked. Each book is written beautifully from the heart and always focuses on an important topic. She outdoes herself in creativity in her storylines with every book she writes. I absolutely love how she got the idea of this book from a conversation she had from her fellow amazing author friend Sue Watson!

The graphic cover design gods did a beautiful job with this cover! It was absolutely gorgeous and spot on! Between the cover, the title and Emma’s name I knew I had to find out more about it.

From the first paragraph I just knew that I was going to love this book! Libby instantly put a smile on my face as she was the sweetest little girl ever!! She spoke her mind and didn't have much of a filter that just made you crack up laughing.

I felt the exact same feelings as Anna was when she rushed sweet Libby to the ER! The panic in the questions she was asking I would be demanding the same answers if I had a daughter!! Emma did an incredible job researching, bringing awareness, and educating her readers all about Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis, Kidney Transplants, etc.

Emma not only focused on the medical aspect but how it affected the family dynamic as well. There were many times I was screaming in frustration over a character!!

My heart literally stopped as there was an event in the book that I didn’t see coming at all!! I was in total shock and upset and the reality of the disease hit me and the tears just flowed!!!

One thing is for sure that Libby was incredibly brave to go through all of this at such a young age.





Profile Image for Melanie McGrade Davidson.
457 reviews57 followers
October 27, 2021
An unforgettable, heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting story from the bestselling author of My Husband's Daughter, this novel is perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain and Jojo Moyes.

I LOVED To Save My Child, yet that is no surprise because I am a big fan of Emma Robinson’s books! I fell in love with Libby as soon as I saw her on the cover alone, and then fell even harder when I read the very first sentence. Is there anyone in the world more full of joy than a six year old little girl with a feather boa?! And strutting down the “catwalk” no less! What a way to introduce the pure and innocent times of youth than that opening scene. The author expertly proceeded in providing such easy to envision scenes and depictions of this precious girl throughout the whole book, making us fall in love with her more and more.

Making it even harder and heart wrenching to read the not-so-happy and carefree parts.

It is every mother’s nightmare when their child is sick? Or has to go into surgery? Wouldn’t we all rather it be us than our child? And to find out that you can’t help? My heart aches and my eyes filled when reading about Anna’s anguish.

Then we have Dad. The one that would be gone for hours, the one that his little girl would wait for at the window for hours and hours wondering if the next car was his. The one who we learn is immature, selfish, and thoughtless. The one who is so controlling that it muddies everything else. Yet Libby still loves her father, she loves making cake with him, hearing stories told by him, and spending time with him (when it is convenient to him). Little does she know how manipulative he really is.

The reason I love this author’s books are that the ones I have read are about a child and some type of family drama (which I love to read about) and they are written with so much talent and detail that the reader feels incredibly devoted and emotional. It never ceases to amaze me how invested I become in her stories and characters and how I can possibly feel such strong emotion towards fictional characters.

To Save My Daughter is such a passionate story that will suck you in right from the first words all the way to the very last ones.

You will L O V E this book.
Profile Image for Julie.
2,654 reviews43 followers
November 8, 2021
A hard-hitting emotional page-turner that packs plenty of punch, Emma Robinson’s To Save My Child is an astute and heart-breaking tale perfect for book clubs everywhere.

Single mother Anna worships her six year old daughter, Libby. There is absolutely nothing Anna will not to do for her beloved daughter. Anna hasn’t had the easiest starts in life and having fled an abusive relationship, she had vowed never to let hear former partner anywhere near her and her precious daughter. Anna has no intention of ever going back on that promise and is thankful for the life she leads with her beautiful child – until a bombshell threatens to obliterate both of their futures.

Libby has just been diagnosed with an extremely rare disorder that requires a transplant from a living relative if she is to survive. Anna will do every single test in the world and will move mountains to keep her daughter alive, but when she isn’t a match, she realises that she must contact the one man she had swore never to clap eyes on ever again. The one man whose abuse, cruelty and anger had caused her so much pain and anguish: her ex. It is the last thing Anna wants to do, but she knows that her former partner is Libby’s only hope and she will do whatever it takes for her daughter.

The man Anna has feared and hated is now back in their lives and there is simply no escaping from him. All of her old feelings come back with a vengeance, but Libby is her number one priority and there is absolutely nothing in the world that will keep Anna from doing whatever she can to save her child.

Emma Robinson’s To Save My Child is a visceral family drama that is highly-charged, intensely dramatic and brilliantly complex. A multi-layered and sensitively-told tale full of compassion, honesty and poignancy, it is impossible not to be completely drawn in and moved by Emma Robinson’s chilling, intelligent and thought-provoking novel about the lengths a mother will go to to save her child.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Teresa Nikolic.
920 reviews129 followers
October 31, 2021
Anna and her six year old daughter Libby have started a new life, away from a coercive marriage. They are happy and looking forward to the future, there is nothing that Anna wouldn't do for her daughter, so when Libby collapses and the hospital diagnose her with a rare disorder that requires a transplant to survive, Anna and her family get themselves checked to see if they're compatible, sadly none of them are, which leaves only one option, she calls the one man she hoped she'd never have to rely on again, her husband Ryan, Libby's dad. She's scared that he'll use this to control her again, but she knows she has no other choice if she wants her little girl to survive, any mother would do the same, wouldn't they?

To Save My Child is a story about a mothers love for her child, highlighting how most of us will put our children's needs before our own, because that's what being a parent is all about, we bring these little people into the world and make a promise that we will always love and protect them. I was invested in this story from page one, it's an emotional tale, told with compassion and integrity, clearly showing that the author has done her research regarding the subject of transplant and donors. I immediately took to Anna and Libby, despised the attitude of Ryan and wanted to punch him on several occasions due to his narcissistic behaviour. One thing that is always guaranteed from this hugely talented author is that her books will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions and you will definitely need tissues. This is the third novel I've read by Robinson and she gets me every time!

I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.
Profile Image for Els .
2,263 reviews52 followers
October 26, 2021
A new book by this author means being in for a great treat, but it also means having a box of tissues handy. You know before you even start, you are going to be in for a very emotional story that will touch you deeply.

It starts already with the title. Who does not want to do everything they can to save their child? This is a question that should not even be a question. I am or better was convinced everybody would, until I realised some people are really pure evil. It’s very hard to understand, to believe some people can think and act this way. It’s just disgusting they way they play, not only with other people’s feelings, but with their lives as well. In a way they are murderers…

On the other hand there is the beautiful and powerful bond between a mother and her child and the support they get when they need it the most. It was very heartwarming to see how someone who just suffered a great loss, steps in to prevent someone less going through the same devastating period.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I sometimes wanted to crawl between to pages to slap a certain person a few times around the face. They totally deserved it!

They often say there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s seems likes it’s being switched off a few times, but will it burn brightly in the end? 5 stars

Thank you, Emma Robinson and Bookouture
Profile Image for Chloe.
284 reviews9 followers
September 15, 2021
There is this feeling you get when you pick up a book written by Emma Robinson. It is a feeling of excitement, wonder at how she will break your heart this time and strangely comfort.

Comfort in Emma's familiar writing style. Comfort to see her love of fierce female friendships coming through the writing. And comfort in knowing she will ease you down this path of her characters.

In this masterpiece we meet Anna and Libby at a time where everything seems quite simple. But as we edge into the beginnings of this story we quickly realise the truth that their life is very far from okay.

Even if I wasn't sobbing, Emma still managed to make me shed a tear, which is very rare from authors. Which to me signifies a real talent.

When Libby's father enters the picture again after their escape from a life of control to freedom, you quickly choose sides and start rooting for you favourites.

Another stunning novel from Emma Robinson including heart break, tears and pure fear at how real this situation is. As always I will be waiting *patiently* for the next sample of her writing!
Profile Image for Nana.
911 reviews17 followers
October 9, 2021
Anna's six-year-old daughter, Libby, started not feeling well and as they were shopping for party invites for Libby's seventh birthday party, she collapsed. Anna rushed her to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with a kidney disease and needed to go on dialysis. Anna would do anything to save her child, and we learn just how far she would go.
This was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and a few times, I felt like my heart had stopped, it was that intense. Anna stayed strong and did what would be best for Libby, whereas, her father thought of no one but himself. It is a story about kidney disease, organ transplants, and the love of not only one mother but two mothers, and what they would do for their child.
The book flows right along, telling their story, all the things happening, the good, bad, sad, their emotions, and you could feel them all coming thought the pages of this story.
I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Lyndi (mibookobsession).
1,563 reviews50 followers
October 24, 2021
When Libby collapses one day, Anna rushes her to the hospital where she receives the worst news. Libby requires a transplant to save her life, and an organ from a family member would be her best chance at survival. Unfortunately, Anna herself isn't a match. Heartbroken and determined to do anything, even beg from the man who nearly broke her, Anna contacts Libby's father, Ryan. Throughout the battle for her daughter's life, Anna finds her own strength.
This book is definitely a tearjerker! I can't believe the abuse Anna had finally escaped from, only to have to crawl back to save her daughter. Reading about this vile controlling man made me so mad I had to put the book down and take a break a few times. This was a very emotional read, but well worth it.
I received an advance reader copy of this book through NetGalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
Profile Image for Charlotte Baddeley.
291 reviews14 followers
October 25, 2021
Oh wow. What a brilliant read. I loved this book and I honestly read it in two sittings. Thank goodness it’s Sunday. The joy of discovering a new (to me) and brilliant author.

I must be honest, it is a tear jerker but it is so much more. Emma Robinson’s in depth knowledge of coercive control, the tragedy and shock of having a sick child when you would do anything to save that child, including putting yourself in danger of falling under your abusive husband’s control again. I couldn’t wait to find out if Anna survived this ordeal or if little Libby survived. Robinson really got inside the mind of her characters so that you feel their emotions. I was so desperate for Anna to tell Ryan where to go and the frustration, knowing that she couldn’t.

This may be the first book of Emma Robinson that I’ve read but it won’t be the last.

Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lizzie.
Author 15 books194 followers
November 15, 2021
I've read all of Emma Robinson's books so far - so I was delighted to see she had this new one out. (Love the cover too). I like her books because they are reliably sensitive and twisty, women (who are a bit like me?) are at the heart of every story and there's usually something redemptive or uplifting or happy ever after feeling. I loved To Save my Child because it offered all that and more. On the surface, it looks like it might be a hospital drama - but actually you get a deep look at relationships, from coercive control, friends falling out, family dynamics, and new friendships forget in fire. You get people doing horrendous things - and people doing amazing things - but you never know who is going to do what until it happens - and then it makes perfect sense... A gripping, compassionate read, I think Emma Robinson is one of the best contemporary women's emotional fiction writers around. Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Trina Dixon.
1,023 reviews50 followers
October 7, 2021
Another great novel by Emma, as usual this one tugs at the heartstrings as you imagine yourselves in Anna's shoes as she tries to go all out for her daughter Libby who has a serious illness. Unfortunately the only person who can save her is the coercive husband Ryan who she left a few months before. As he is his usual obnoxious self Anna has to keep picking up the pieces without falling apart for Libby.
I loved this book for many reasons, Anna's strength and character whilst dealing with a situation all parents would dread to be in and her family and friendship bonds. I always look forward to Emma's books and this certainly doesn't disappoint. Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review
918 reviews22 followers
September 21, 2021
I absolutely love this authors books and they just keep getting better and better and this one is certainly no exception you just know with this author you have to plan on putting everything else on hold to continue reading as once you have started you really cannot put down. This author has such a special and talented way of writing about human emotion and the human condition in such a way as to break your heart and warm it again.

To save my child covers two very important themes that of coercive control in a relationship which is something which tends to be kept hidden behind closed doors and that of organ donation and how more awareness needs to be given to living kidney donors and how precious these gifts are to those who are suffering from kidney problems and their families.

This book will stay with me a long time and is such a poignant read and also illustrates the importance of friendships and family and how it is important to live each day as though it’s your last.
Profile Image for Lorna.
102 reviews3 followers
September 18, 2021
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and more if I could!!

I absolutely love this authors books, and this was no exception. She has an incredible talent to write about some of the most difficult subjects, while still drawing you in right from the start.

I absolutely love the different friendships and the family relationships shown through this book, and the way that they show the different sides to Anna.

The handling of the relationship with Ryan is done so well, and Anna's feelings and thoughts have come through so clearly.

As always, heartbreaking, heartwarming, beautifully written and above all a fantastic book.
Profile Image for Pearly Williams.
96 reviews8 followers
October 8, 2021
Truly heartwarming read with an excellent plot. Anna is faced with an awful dilemma as she sources a kidney donor for her daughter. Anna refuses to give up and goes to great lengths to save her daughter's life and give her a normal childhood. The characters are so well depicted that it's easy to relate to Anna and her daughter Libby. Highly emotional and well-written, this book is impossible to put down.

Beautifully written, heartbreaking, touching story, surrounding family, hope, and friendship

Highly recommend this book !!

Thank you Netgalley, Bookouture, and Emma Robinson for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Sheri.
1,736 reviews53 followers
October 24, 2021
A heart breaking story about Anna and her daughter Libby. Libby is diagnosed with a kidney disease and needs dialysis until a donor kidney is available. Anna gets tested but is not a match. Anna turns to Libby’s father, Ryan, who she left because he was abusive.

It is very easy to get emotionally involved in story. Anna is a mother doing everything she can to help her daughter, both with her illness and protect her from her fathers abuse. I felt her frustration. Ryan is a snake in the grass and it’s easy to forget you are only reading a book rather then living it yourself. Excellent writing!
Profile Image for Eddi.
614 reviews5 followers
October 29, 2021
This was a powerful story of a mother’s love. She loved her very sick daughter so much that she was willing to ask her emotionally abusive husband, from whom she was separated, to donate a kidney to her daughter. Asking this meant that this man she hated would be her daughter’s savior, and would also mean that she would continue to be subjected to his controlling and manipulative abuse.

I had a physical reaction to reading the husband’s abusive words, and I even considered discontinuing reading. But I decided to keep reading, as I had faith that somehow she would extricate herself from his power. I’m glad I did.
Profile Image for Donna.
159 reviews5 followers
April 22, 2022
Although the subject of this book is very difficult the author has managed to write it in a way that you are constantly seeing the positives. Having a sick child is everyone's fear, but having a child that needs a transplant is every parents nightmare. The characters are well written, so much so I had to put down my Kindle and walk away at times just because I was so angry at one character in particular. This to me is the sign of a good book. I became so invested I found myself having out loud conversations with Libbys dad not realising I was doing it. This author has now gone on my must read list
Profile Image for Laurie.
1,121 reviews
September 24, 2021
This is certainly a beautiful, touching story about family, friendship, love, hardship, illness, strength,and hope.
It is exquisitely written, and had me sitting with a box of tissue by my side during the entire book.
There is no parent or grandparent who will read these pages without thinking of your own child or grandchild and praying this nightmare does not ever come to lbe for their children.
I admired Anna's determination to find and end to Libby's illness despite the costs and pain for herself.
Well done!
266 reviews6 followers
July 16, 2022
When 6 year old Libby gets sick, Anna will do anything she can to help her daughter. Even if it means reaching out to her estranged, narcissistic, manipulative husband.

The characters were wonderfully complex and very easy to relate to.. Except for Ryan, who was absolutely horrible.

Anna and Libby’s story is an emotional one that stay with me for quite a while!

I am looking forward to devouring more books by this author.

Thank you Netgalley, Bookouture, and Emma Robinson for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.
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