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To Be a Mother
What if your only chance to be a mother was to give birth to his first wife’s child?
All I’ve ever wanted is to be a mother. And since I married David, it’s gone from being a dream of mine, to a dream of ours. And I want it for him too – it’s the happy-ever-after he deserves after the tragic loss of his first wife, Katherine.
We have tried and we’ve hoped. But today I’ve just found out it’s impossible. That I’m unable to become a mother. My heart breaking into thousands of pieces, I beg the doctor to tell me there’s another way.
But it’s David who speaks. Telling me that just before Katherine died, she had gone through fertility treatment. Now her eggs legally belong to David. To us.
It could be my only chance to be the mother I’ve always longed to be… But can I really carry his first wife’s baby?
With dizzying plot twists and emotional, heart-breaking family drama, this powerfully uplifting story is certain to leave readers sobbing. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain and Colleen Hoover.
All I’ve ever wanted is to be a mother. And since I married David, it’s gone from being a dream of mine, to a dream of ours. And I want it for him too – it’s the happy-ever-after he deserves after the tragic loss of his first wife, Katherine.
We have tried and we’ve hoped. But today I’ve just found out it’s impossible. That I’m unable to become a mother. My heart breaking into thousands of pieces, I beg the doctor to tell me there’s another way.
But it’s David who speaks. Telling me that just before Katherine died, she had gone through fertility treatment. Now her eggs legally belong to David. To us.
It could be my only chance to be the mother I’ve always longed to be… But can I really carry his first wife’s baby?
With dizzying plot twists and emotional, heart-breaking family drama, this powerfully uplifting story is certain to leave readers sobbing. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain and Colleen Hoover.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2022
1350 people are currently reading
550 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 82 reviews
April 3, 2023
My first book by the author, Emma Robinson—TO BE A MOTHER, is a beautifully written, heartbreaking emotional family saga about motherhood, marriage, love, loss, secrets, and second chances.
Hannah is married to David, and they want children; however, have not been able to get pregnant. Hannah wants her biological child and has dreamed of it her entire life.
However, Hannah dreams of Katherine all the time, David's first wife, who died, and feels like she always has to live up to her.
As a last resort option, David informs Hannah that his wife Katherine also had fertility issues, and before Katherine died, she had undergone fertility treatment. Now her eggs legally belong to David and Hannah.
Four embryos are still in storage. Her eggs and his sperm are ready for implantation. It was not what Hannah wanted.
Hannah had spent the last two years worrying whether she was living up to David's first wife, and now was she considering giving birth to her child?
The dilemma: Will Hannah agree to this? It could be her only chance to be a mother, but can she carry Katherine (the first wife's baby)? What else was David hiding? What if the embryos do not take?
We hear from Hannah's POV and Katherine's.
Maybe Saint Katherine was not the perfect wife after all. She had been lying to everyone about events leading up to two weeks before the accident, or was there something else? OR was she completely selfless?
So many secrets. Families can be messy.
A happy ending!
Blog Review posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins |#JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 11, 2022
Hannah is married to David, and they want children; however, have not been able to get pregnant. Hannah wants her biological child and has dreamed of it her entire life.
However, Hannah dreams of Katherine all the time, David's first wife, who died, and feels like she always has to live up to her.
As a last resort option, David informs Hannah that his wife Katherine also had fertility issues, and before Katherine died, she had undergone fertility treatment. Now her eggs legally belong to David and Hannah.
Four embryos are still in storage. Her eggs and his sperm are ready for implantation. It was not what Hannah wanted.
Hannah had spent the last two years worrying whether she was living up to David's first wife, and now was she considering giving birth to her child?
The dilemma: Will Hannah agree to this? It could be her only chance to be a mother, but can she carry Katherine (the first wife's baby)? What else was David hiding? What if the embryos do not take?
We hear from Hannah's POV and Katherine's.
Maybe Saint Katherine was not the perfect wife after all. She had been lying to everyone about events leading up to two weeks before the accident, or was there something else? OR was she completely selfless?
So many secrets. Families can be messy.
A happy ending!
Loved this quote from Hannah's mom:
"But the thing is, love—and it took me a while to learn this—your child doesn't really ever belong to you. You get to borrow them for a while. You get to guide them a little. But one day, they will leave and become their own person, and, if you're lucky, you get to watch them spread their wings and fly. And sometimes, if you've done it right, they fly home and sit in your spare room, and you get to hold them again for a little while."
Blog Review posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins |#JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 11, 2022
September 8, 2022
To Be a Mother by Emma Robinson is a gripping book gracefully written about the struggle of infertility. Robinson is a master at approaching sensitive subjects with compassionate honesty. Emma Robinson is the best-selling author of sixty books.
Synopsis:
Hannah is David's second wife. David and Hannah are deeply in love and want to start a family, but Hannah's eggs are not viable. They have three options: adoption, using donor eggs, or using embryos that were previously frozen by David and his first wife Katherine before she tragically passed away. Hannah desperately wants a child and David owns the embryos legally, but how does Hannah feel about giving birth to David's first wife's child?
The novel To Be a Mother is women's fiction that feels like a true story. You are pulled into the book on a deep emotional level through the author's poignant writing. The struggle with infertility is a real and gut wrenching subject addressed openly in this beautifully written book. Emma Robinson reached down deep and touched my soul.
To Be a Mother by Emma Robinson is available on October 11th.
(5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for sharing this outstanding novel with me. Your kindness is appreciated!
Synopsis:
Hannah is David's second wife. David and Hannah are deeply in love and want to start a family, but Hannah's eggs are not viable. They have three options: adoption, using donor eggs, or using embryos that were previously frozen by David and his first wife Katherine before she tragically passed away. Hannah desperately wants a child and David owns the embryos legally, but how does Hannah feel about giving birth to David's first wife's child?
The novel To Be a Mother is women's fiction that feels like a true story. You are pulled into the book on a deep emotional level through the author's poignant writing. The struggle with infertility is a real and gut wrenching subject addressed openly in this beautifully written book. Emma Robinson reached down deep and touched my soul.
To Be a Mother by Emma Robinson is available on October 11th.
(5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for sharing this outstanding novel with me. Your kindness is appreciated!
September 23, 2022
This is my 3rd book by Emma Robinson so I was excited to be approved by NetGalley and the publisher for this latest book. Hanna and David are wanting to start a family but Hanna is having fertility issues. David's first wife Katherine died and Hanna constantly finds herself living in her shadow. Katherine had frozen some eggs before she died and now David and Hanna have to decide whether to use her eggs. This is a heartwarming story that will pull at your heartstrings. It's beautifully written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2022
David and Hannah have been married a few years, but she still feels like she does not fit in with his friends that were also friends of his late wife Katherine. They decide they would like to have a baby, but Hannah would need donor eggs. David tells her that his late wife Katherine also went through IVF and her eggs are frozen and has high hopes that she would consider using them.
This was such a great story. I was emotionally invested. I thought this book was a thriller, but I was so wrong. I am happy to say I finished it rather quickly. The writing is really great and that helps also make it a quick read. If you are looking for a great story, I highly recommend this one, but be prepared to shed a few tears along the way.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
This was such a great story. I was emotionally invested. I thought this book was a thriller, but I was so wrong. I am happy to say I finished it rather quickly. The writing is really great and that helps also make it a quick read. If you are looking for a great story, I highly recommend this one, but be prepared to shed a few tears along the way.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
September 18, 2025
Lai arī par sāpīgu neauglības tematu, grāmata lasās raiti un vieš intrigu. Pirmajā grāmatas daļā tā arī nespēju atkost, kāda žanra tā būs un kas slēpjas aiz noslēpumiem. Skumja, bet cerību pilna, ka arī lielākajā izmisumā spēj ielauzties saulesstars.
October 15, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'To Be A Mother' by Emma Robinson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Emma Robinson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 11th October 2022
This is the fifth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'My Husband's Daughter', 'Only For My Daughter', 'To Save My Child' 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 'With dizzying plot twists and emotional, heart-breaking family drama, this powerfully uplifting story is certain to leave readers sobbing. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain and Colleen Hoover ' 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', 'To Save My Child', 'Only For My 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 a prologue, 39 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in England 🏴, 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 England 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 protagonists being Hannah Maguire and Katherine Maguire. 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.
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 dig into more of her books. She is definitely on par with several of my favourite authors including Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Nicholas Sparks which is why she is also one of my favourite authors!!!
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. It really 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 title and synopsis fitted the storyline perfectly.
The storyline is absolutely heartbreaking and a real tear jerker. It is also an absolutely beautiful story of love, loss, friendship, secrets and family!! It is filled with love, family, friendship, regrets, selflessness, heartbreak and much much more. It was an absolute roller-coaster ride of emotions. Emma is an extremely talented author and I love how her books are based on life dilemmas and so much more. She always does so much research into her topics and it always shines through. There's nothing worse than a book being littered with mistakes because the author hasn't done enough research into their subject. The main subject of this book is being unable to have children. In this case because Hannah's ovaries are unable to produce healthy eggs. Emma doesn't just stop there though and throws the spanner in the works of Hannah's husbands deceased first wife's embryo's sitting there waiting to be used. I love how Emma manages to take what could be such controversial subjects and manages to weave them into absolutely addictive and gorgeous stories. I also love that we see what Katherine (The first wife) was going through and what was happening in her relationship with David. Again, Emma manages to mix the past and present chapters in at the Perfect times. There is so much going on this book including what happens with Hannah's mum that I just coild not put it down for one moment!! 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, my heart warmed and soooo much more!! Such a rollercoaster ride of emotions!! 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!!! I WAS completely invested in this book and read it in one sitting as I do with all of Emma's books. It is a complete rollercoaster ride of emotions and Emma has weaved so many "hard" subjects perfectly into a gorgeous yet heartbreaking storyline. This is yet another stunner by Emma that I would love to see made into a movie!!
Do not start this until you have cleared your schedules as you won't be able to put it down!!
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
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 Hannah and David but also Gwen and Tony too. My heart completely went out to Hannah "seeing" her break her heart over her inability to have her own children. I couldn't even begin to imagine how that must be feel as I'm lucky enough to have my three boys but Emma has done an absolutely amazing job, as always, with her vivid descriptions making the characters jump out of the pages and showing their emotions and feelings out loud for you. My heart also went out to David after what is discovered, not once but twice. I wasn't a fan of Katharine at the start and found her to be very stuck up and b|tc#y. I really can't say anything else about how I feel about them as I think if I did say anything else I will spoil things but just trust me you need to read this book and you will know what I mean and feel!!! I loved that all the characters were a mix of personalities and I enjoyed watching the relationships between each grow and develop.
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read an excerpt of Emma's absolutely stunning 'My Husband's Daughter' which is another emotional page turner and one I have read myself and would highly recommend!!
Congratulations Emma on yet another page turner!! This is why you are one of my favourite authors and here is to your next success 🥂!!!
Overall an absolute page turning, tear jerking and emotional roller coaster, beautiful story of love, secrets, family, heartbreak and so much more!!
Genres covered in this novel include Literary Fiction, Literary Saga, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Domestic Fiction, Family Saga. Women's Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's saga, Emotional Drama and Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Nicholas Sparks, Kate Hewitt, Diane Chamberlain Jojo Moyes, Jodi Picoult, Colleen Hoover and just anyone looking for a beautiful read.
308 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle or free on kindle and £7.99 in paperback via Amazon, at time of review, 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
#ToBeAMother #Bookouture #EmmaRobinson #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@EmmaRobinson @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...
Review for 'To Be A Mother' by Emma Robinson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Emma Robinson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 11th October 2022
This is the fifth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'My Husband's Daughter', 'Only For My Daughter', 'To Save My Child' 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 'With dizzying plot twists and emotional, heart-breaking family drama, this powerfully uplifting story is certain to leave readers sobbing. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain and Colleen Hoover ' 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', 'To Save My Child', 'Only For My 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 a prologue, 39 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in England 🏴, 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 England 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 protagonists being Hannah Maguire and Katherine Maguire. 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.
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 dig into more of her books. She is definitely on par with several of my favourite authors including Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Nicholas Sparks which is why she is also one of my favourite authors!!!
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. It really 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 title and synopsis fitted the storyline perfectly.
The storyline is absolutely heartbreaking and a real tear jerker. It is also an absolutely beautiful story of love, loss, friendship, secrets and family!! It is filled with love, family, friendship, regrets, selflessness, heartbreak and much much more. It was an absolute roller-coaster ride of emotions. Emma is an extremely talented author and I love how her books are based on life dilemmas and so much more. She always does so much research into her topics and it always shines through. There's nothing worse than a book being littered with mistakes because the author hasn't done enough research into their subject. The main subject of this book is being unable to have children. In this case because Hannah's ovaries are unable to produce healthy eggs. Emma doesn't just stop there though and throws the spanner in the works of Hannah's husbands deceased first wife's embryo's sitting there waiting to be used. I love how Emma manages to take what could be such controversial subjects and manages to weave them into absolutely addictive and gorgeous stories. I also love that we see what Katherine (The first wife) was going through and what was happening in her relationship with David. Again, Emma manages to mix the past and present chapters in at the Perfect times. There is so much going on this book including what happens with Hannah's mum that I just coild not put it down for one moment!! 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, my heart warmed and soooo much more!! Such a rollercoaster ride of emotions!! 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!!! I WAS completely invested in this book and read it in one sitting as I do with all of Emma's books. It is a complete rollercoaster ride of emotions and Emma has weaved so many "hard" subjects perfectly into a gorgeous yet heartbreaking storyline. This is yet another stunner by Emma that I would love to see made into a movie!!
Do not start this until you have cleared your schedules as you won't be able to put it down!!
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
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 Hannah and David but also Gwen and Tony too. My heart completely went out to Hannah "seeing" her break her heart over her inability to have her own children. I couldn't even begin to imagine how that must be feel as I'm lucky enough to have my three boys but Emma has done an absolutely amazing job, as always, with her vivid descriptions making the characters jump out of the pages and showing their emotions and feelings out loud for you. My heart also went out to David after what is discovered, not once but twice. I wasn't a fan of Katharine at the start and found her to be very stuck up and b|tc#y. I really can't say anything else about how I feel about them as I think if I did say anything else I will spoil things but just trust me you need to read this book and you will know what I mean and feel!!! I loved that all the characters were a mix of personalities and I enjoyed watching the relationships between each grow and develop.
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read an excerpt of Emma's absolutely stunning 'My Husband's Daughter' which is another emotional page turner and one I have read myself and would highly recommend!!
Congratulations Emma on yet another page turner!! This is why you are one of my favourite authors and here is to your next success 🥂!!!
Overall an absolute page turning, tear jerking and emotional roller coaster, beautiful story of love, secrets, family, heartbreak and so much more!!
Genres covered in this novel include Literary Fiction, Literary Saga, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Domestic Fiction, Family Saga. Women's Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's saga, Emotional Drama and Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Nicholas Sparks, Kate Hewitt, Diane Chamberlain Jojo Moyes, Jodi Picoult, Colleen Hoover and just anyone looking for a beautiful read.
308 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle or free on kindle and £7.99 in paperback via Amazon, at time of review, 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
#ToBeAMother #Bookouture #EmmaRobinson #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@EmmaRobinson @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...
September 12, 2022
The only thing harder than being a mother is … not being one.
Just ask anyone who’s gone through fertility treatments, egg donation, or adoption.
Author Emma Robinson captures the emotional side of fertility treatments and opens our eyes to what it really takes to be a mother.
So here’s the question at the core of the book: Could you carry your husband’s first wife’s child if it was your only option?
My first response was a vehement ‘no’.
Then I was given a convincing argument to cause me to change my mind.
Then, my vociferous response waned.
I went back and forth for the entire novel.
Would it make a difference to you if you knew it was the first wife, not the ex-wife?
You’ll have to read this fantastic exploration into the moral/ethical implications as well as the psychological and emotional implications of making such a choice. It’s extremely well written, in alternating chapters, in third person with free direct style and a stream-of-consciousness style, making you walk right alongside the characters. It’s Emma Robinson at her best. You need this book.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Just ask anyone who’s gone through fertility treatments, egg donation, or adoption.
Author Emma Robinson captures the emotional side of fertility treatments and opens our eyes to what it really takes to be a mother.
So here’s the question at the core of the book: Could you carry your husband’s first wife’s child if it was your only option?
My first response was a vehement ‘no’.
Then I was given a convincing argument to cause me to change my mind.
Then, my vociferous response waned.
I went back and forth for the entire novel.
Would it make a difference to you if you knew it was the first wife, not the ex-wife?
You’ll have to read this fantastic exploration into the moral/ethical implications as well as the psychological and emotional implications of making such a choice. It’s extremely well written, in alternating chapters, in third person with free direct style and a stream-of-consciousness style, making you walk right alongside the characters. It’s Emma Robinson at her best. You need this book.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
September 27, 2022
Definitely wiping a tear or two at the end.
Great having all the feels from a book.
About love, life, sickness and of course family.
Greatly told and held together with emotions
Loved this book
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
Great having all the feels from a book.
About love, life, sickness and of course family.
Greatly told and held together with emotions
Loved this book
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
August 25, 2024
Wow....this one was heartbreaking. Secrets and longings..... couldn't put it down.
Read
October 5, 2022To Be a Mother by Emma Robinson is an all consuming read. The storyline weaves and twists in ways I hadn't expected and boy did it send my emotions into overdrive. A beautifully written story that tugs on the heart strings!
January 30, 2023
If I could give it 3.5 I would. The storyline was a bit too unbelievable for me, but I enjoyed most of it.
October 15, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'To Be A Mother' by Emma Robinson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Emma Robinson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 11th October 2022
This is the fifth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'My Husband's Daughter', 'Only For My Daughter', 'To Save My Child' 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 'With dizzying plot twists and emotional, heart-breaking family drama, this powerfully uplifting story is certain to leave readers sobbing. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain and Colleen Hoover ' 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', 'To Save My Child', 'Only For My 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 a prologue, 39 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in England 🏴, 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 England 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 protagonists being Hannah Maguire and Katherine Maguire. 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.
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 dig into more of her books. She is definitely on par with several of my favourite authors including Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Nicholas Sparks which is why she is also one of my favourite authors!!!
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. It really 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 title and synopsis fitted the storyline perfectly.
The storyline is absolutely heartbreaking and a real tear jerker. It is also an absolutely beautiful story of love, loss, friendship, secrets and family!! It is filled with love, family, friendship, regrets, selflessness, heartbreak and much much more. It was an absolute roller-coaster ride of emotions. Emma is an extremely talented author and I love how her books are based on life dilemmas and so much more. She always does so much research into her topics and it always shines through. There's nothing worse than a book being littered with mistakes because the author hasn't done enough research into their subject. The main subject of this book is being unable to have children. In this case because Hannah's ovaries are unable to produce healthy eggs. Emma doesn't just stop there though and throws the spanner in the works of Hannah's husbands deceased first wife's embryo's sitting there waiting to be used. I love how Emma manages to take what could be such controversial subjects and manages to weave them into absolutely addictive and gorgeous stories. I also love that we see what Katherine (The first wife) was going through and what was happening in her relationship with David. Again, Emma manages to mix the past and present chapters in at the Perfect times. There is so much going on this book including what happens with Hannah's mum that I just coild not put it down for one moment!! 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, my heart warmed and soooo much more!! Such a rollercoaster ride of emotions!! 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!!! I WAS completely invested in this book and read it in one sitting as I do with all of Emma's books. It is a complete rollercoaster ride of emotions and Emma has weaved so many "hard" subjects perfectly into a gorgeous yet heartbreaking storyline. This is yet another stunner by Emma that I would love to see made into a movie!!
Do not start this until you have cleared your schedules as you won't be able to put it down!!
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
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 Hannah and David but also Gwen and Tony too. My heart completely went out to Hannah "seeing" her break her heart over her inability to have her own children. I couldn't even begin to imagine how that must be feel as I'm lucky enough to have my three boys but Emma has done an absolutely amazing job, as always, with her vivid descriptions making the characters jump out of the pages and showing their emotions and feelings out loud for you. My heart also went out to David after what is discovered, not once but twice. I wasn't a fan of Katharine at the start and found her to be very stuck up and b|tc#y. I really can't say anything else about how I feel about them as I think if I did say anything else I will spoil things but just trust me you need to read this book and you will know what I mean and feel!!! I loved that all the characters were a mix of personalities and I enjoyed watching the relationships between each grow and develop.
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read an excerpt of Emma's absolutely stunning 'My Husband's Daughter' which is another emotional page turner and one I have read myself and would highly recommend!!
Congratulations Emma on yet another page turner!! This is why you are one of my favourite authors and here is to your next success 🥂!!!
Overall an absolute page turning, tear jerking and emotional roller coaster, beautiful story of love, secrets, family, heartbreak and so much more!!
Genres covered in this novel include Literary Fiction, Literary Saga, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Domestic Fiction, Family Saga. Women's Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's saga, Emotional Drama and Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Nicholas Sparks, Kate Hewitt, Diane Chamberlain Jojo Moyes, Jodi Picoult, Colleen Hoover and just anyone looking for a beautiful read.
308 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle or free on kindle and £7.99 in paperback via Amazon, at time of review, 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
#ToBeAMother #Bookouture #EmmaRobinson #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
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Review for 'To Be A Mother' by Emma Robinson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Emma Robinson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 11th October 2022
This is the fifth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'My Husband's Daughter', 'Only For My Daughter', 'To Save My Child' 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 'With dizzying plot twists and emotional, heart-breaking family drama, this powerfully uplifting story is certain to leave readers sobbing. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain and Colleen Hoover ' 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', 'To Save My Child', 'Only For My 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 a prologue, 39 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in England 🏴, 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 England 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 protagonists being Hannah Maguire and Katherine Maguire. 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.
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 dig into more of her books. She is definitely on par with several of my favourite authors including Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Nicholas Sparks which is why she is also one of my favourite authors!!!
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. It really 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 title and synopsis fitted the storyline perfectly.
The storyline is absolutely heartbreaking and a real tear jerker. It is also an absolutely beautiful story of love, loss, friendship, secrets and family!! It is filled with love, family, friendship, regrets, selflessness, heartbreak and much much more. It was an absolute roller-coaster ride of emotions. Emma is an extremely talented author and I love how her books are based on life dilemmas and so much more. She always does so much research into her topics and it always shines through. There's nothing worse than a book being littered with mistakes because the author hasn't done enough research into their subject. The main subject of this book is being unable to have children. In this case because Hannah's ovaries are unable to produce healthy eggs. Emma doesn't just stop there though and throws the spanner in the works of Hannah's husbands deceased first wife's embryo's sitting there waiting to be used. I love how Emma manages to take what could be such controversial subjects and manages to weave them into absolutely addictive and gorgeous stories. I also love that we see what Katherine (The first wife) was going through and what was happening in her relationship with David. Again, Emma manages to mix the past and present chapters in at the Perfect times. There is so much going on this book including what happens with Hannah's mum that I just coild not put it down for one moment!! 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, my heart warmed and soooo much more!! Such a rollercoaster ride of emotions!! 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!!! I WAS completely invested in this book and read it in one sitting as I do with all of Emma's books. It is a complete rollercoaster ride of emotions and Emma has weaved so many "hard" subjects perfectly into a gorgeous yet heartbreaking storyline. This is yet another stunner by Emma that I would love to see made into a movie!!
Do not start this until you have cleared your schedules as you won't be able to put it down!!
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
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 Hannah and David but also Gwen and Tony too. My heart completely went out to Hannah "seeing" her break her heart over her inability to have her own children. I couldn't even begin to imagine how that must be feel as I'm lucky enough to have my three boys but Emma has done an absolutely amazing job, as always, with her vivid descriptions making the characters jump out of the pages and showing their emotions and feelings out loud for you. My heart also went out to David after what is discovered, not once but twice. I wasn't a fan of Katharine at the start and found her to be very stuck up and b|tc#y. I really can't say anything else about how I feel about them as I think if I did say anything else I will spoil things but just trust me you need to read this book and you will know what I mean and feel!!! I loved that all the characters were a mix of personalities and I enjoyed watching the relationships between each grow and develop.
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read an excerpt of Emma's absolutely stunning 'My Husband's Daughter' which is another emotional page turner and one I have read myself and would highly recommend!!
Congratulations Emma on yet another page turner!! This is why you are one of my favourite authors and here is to your next success 🥂!!!
Overall an absolute page turning, tear jerking and emotional roller coaster, beautiful story of love, secrets, family, heartbreak and so much more!!
Genres covered in this novel include Literary Fiction, Literary Saga, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Domestic Fiction, Family Saga. Women's Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's saga, Emotional Drama and Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Nicholas Sparks, Kate Hewitt, Diane Chamberlain Jojo Moyes, Jodi Picoult, Colleen Hoover and just anyone looking for a beautiful read.
308 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle or free on kindle and £7.99 in paperback via Amazon, at time of review, 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
#ToBeAMother #Bookouture #EmmaRobinson #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@EmmaRobinson @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
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October 11, 2022
In society, it's assumed that every woman will become a mother and staristics show that under 30's have a 25% chance of falling pregnant but for many women it is not a simple easy process.
This is the story of Hannah and David who find themselves at the fertility clinic debating their options. But unlike many women, Hannah finds that David's late wife Katherine had also had fertility problems and had had embryos frozen. The dilemma follows, does Hannah use the embryos and risk her potential child looking like Katherine or risk not having a child at all. But is David telling the truth about their relationship as Katherine's friends tell a different story of their marriage.
As someone who has experience of infertility I expected this to be a very difficult and personal read for me, and I'd be lying if I said this wasn't the case at times, and a few times I had to take a deep breath before reading on, but Emma has written this novel in an empathetic and sensitive way, it's heartwarming and thought provoking. Yes, you may need tissues but that's par for the course for Emma's books, she certainly knows how to tug at her readers heartstrings and that's why we love her books, they're true to real life. Long may she continue writing
This is the story of Hannah and David who find themselves at the fertility clinic debating their options. But unlike many women, Hannah finds that David's late wife Katherine had also had fertility problems and had had embryos frozen. The dilemma follows, does Hannah use the embryos and risk her potential child looking like Katherine or risk not having a child at all. But is David telling the truth about their relationship as Katherine's friends tell a different story of their marriage.
As someone who has experience of infertility I expected this to be a very difficult and personal read for me, and I'd be lying if I said this wasn't the case at times, and a few times I had to take a deep breath before reading on, but Emma has written this novel in an empathetic and sensitive way, it's heartwarming and thought provoking. Yes, you may need tissues but that's par for the course for Emma's books, she certainly knows how to tug at her readers heartstrings and that's why we love her books, they're true to real life. Long may she continue writing
October 14, 2022
First, I want to thank Emma Robinson, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
Ohh how I just LOVE Emma Robinson’s books!!! She is one of the few authors I will read anything by! She writes about such sensitive issues facing women today with such empathy and compassion. To Be A Mother is one of those beautifully written novels that you must stock up on tissues-trust me I bawled my eyes out with this one.
Emma wrote an extremely sensitive yet very powerful book that focuses on IVF, egg donation, and adoption. She wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate all the Moms out there. Even if you are not blessed to have children of your own this book will touch everyone’s heart.
As always Emma does a fantastic job educating us readers by doing her research on this topic. I love all things medical and always am fascinated by what I learn.
In most of Emma’s books I try to put myself into the character’s shoes to feel the empathy that they are feeling. The emotions that I had in this book were all over the place! I wanted Hannah and David to be parents more than anything but the many twists in the story had me questioning it. There was one major medical concern I had that I actually meant to google-however all was revealed to put my mind at ease at the end.
Did I mention you will need tissues? Not just a few…ok maybe a few boxes! With all Emma’s twists and turns in this book and climatic reveal you will need some! This is one of Emma’s best books to date. Then again I don’t think I have read a book by her I didn’t like!
Emma has the best of the best cover artists around! The graphics on her To Be A Mother are stunning! Great job!
Ohh how I just LOVE Emma Robinson’s books!!! She is one of the few authors I will read anything by! She writes about such sensitive issues facing women today with such empathy and compassion. To Be A Mother is one of those beautifully written novels that you must stock up on tissues-trust me I bawled my eyes out with this one.
Emma wrote an extremely sensitive yet very powerful book that focuses on IVF, egg donation, and adoption. She wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate all the Moms out there. Even if you are not blessed to have children of your own this book will touch everyone’s heart.
As always Emma does a fantastic job educating us readers by doing her research on this topic. I love all things medical and always am fascinated by what I learn.
In most of Emma’s books I try to put myself into the character’s shoes to feel the empathy that they are feeling. The emotions that I had in this book were all over the place! I wanted Hannah and David to be parents more than anything but the many twists in the story had me questioning it. There was one major medical concern I had that I actually meant to google-however all was revealed to put my mind at ease at the end.
Did I mention you will need tissues? Not just a few…ok maybe a few boxes! With all Emma’s twists and turns in this book and climatic reveal you will need some! This is one of Emma’s best books to date. Then again I don’t think I have read a book by her I didn’t like!
Emma has the best of the best cover artists around! The graphics on her To Be A Mother are stunning! Great job!
September 15, 2022
Oh boy, I most certainly believe you should have yourself a couple of tissues handy when reading this book. It was a fantastic story but by the end, it broke me!
Following Hannah who for all intents and purposes was the main character (although by the ending I couldn’t help as think of her as an understudy for Katherine) in the nicest possible way.
Hannah met David 9 months after his late wife Katherine’s accident. Married and now trying to have a baby. David never talks about his late wife but as the journey into parenthood starts to become more and more complex Hannah has questions she needs answering, and when the truth is all revealed WOAH it’s a bit of a kick in the teeth.
This book is incredibly well written, it knows just how to tug at your heartstrings and how to make you smile.
The characters are so incredibly authentic that you can feel every pain, and happiness with them along the way.
To Be A Mother is set for release on October 11th – get your tissues ready and preorder your copy here http://To Be a Mother: A totally heartbreaking and uplifting story about life, loss and second chances https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B6GN7XY...
Following Hannah who for all intents and purposes was the main character (although by the ending I couldn’t help as think of her as an understudy for Katherine) in the nicest possible way.
Hannah met David 9 months after his late wife Katherine’s accident. Married and now trying to have a baby. David never talks about his late wife but as the journey into parenthood starts to become more and more complex Hannah has questions she needs answering, and when the truth is all revealed WOAH it’s a bit of a kick in the teeth.
This book is incredibly well written, it knows just how to tug at your heartstrings and how to make you smile.
The characters are so incredibly authentic that you can feel every pain, and happiness with them along the way.
To Be A Mother is set for release on October 11th – get your tissues ready and preorder your copy here http://To Be a Mother: A totally heartbreaking and uplifting story about life, loss and second chances https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B6GN7XY...
October 16, 2022
If the only way of having a family was to use your husbands late wife's embryos would you? I have no idea what I'd do in a situation like this, what would you do? It certainly gets you thinking...
To be a Mother is beautifully written and the story of one woman's journey to become a mother. The story is told from Hannah's POV and we also get to hear from Katherine in her final days.
You'll definitely need tissues handy for this one, as it's an emotionally charged read that will break even the hardest of hearts.
I couldn't help but admire Hannah and her strength and tenacity to become a mother, yet constantly living in Katherine's shadow.
A heartwarming drama of love, loss and secrets.
Many thanks to Bookouture for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
To be a Mother is beautifully written and the story of one woman's journey to become a mother. The story is told from Hannah's POV and we also get to hear from Katherine in her final days.
You'll definitely need tissues handy for this one, as it's an emotionally charged read that will break even the hardest of hearts.
I couldn't help but admire Hannah and her strength and tenacity to become a mother, yet constantly living in Katherine's shadow.
A heartwarming drama of love, loss and secrets.
Many thanks to Bookouture for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 4, 2024
3.4⭐️
October 7, 2022
One man, two wives, all who want a family. Hannah is David’s second wife. David does not talk about Katherine, his first wife who passed away. David and Hannah want a family but it is not easy for them. If I were Hannah I don’t know how I would have responded to everything going on in her life. I enjoyed reading this story. I never knew what was going to happen next.
December 1, 2022
Hannah and David are madly in love with each other and very well suited. But the problem is that Hannah is David’s second wife and is always compared by his friends to his first and ‘perfect’ wife, Katherine.
Hannah knows little about Katherine from David, apart from the fact that she died in a tragic car accident and that she was the director of an award winning television show. He seems reluctant to talk about her or their marriage.
When the couple realize that Hannah can’t conceive normally and IVF is not an option, David suddenly tells Hannah that Katherine had undergone fertility treatment and there are embryos in storage for them to use. Hannah is shocked with this information and wonders what else he’s keeping from her.
Will they choose to use these embryos? Will David ever be able to tell Hannah more about his previous marriage? And will Hannah make peace with the fact that Katherine will somehow always be in their lives, but David has chosen her?
The author dealt with the difficult subject of infertility and with so much sensitivity. Her characters are so well etched that it was easy to empathise with them, especially Hannah. Also, it was interesting to see how David, Katherine’s mum, her closest friend Hayley and all her other friends held pieces of the puzzle that was Katherine’s story.
There were so many emotions that arose while reading this story – empathy, anger, frustration and sadness.
Another beautiful story of love, family, friendship and healing from the author.
Hannah knows little about Katherine from David, apart from the fact that she died in a tragic car accident and that she was the director of an award winning television show. He seems reluctant to talk about her or their marriage.
When the couple realize that Hannah can’t conceive normally and IVF is not an option, David suddenly tells Hannah that Katherine had undergone fertility treatment and there are embryos in storage for them to use. Hannah is shocked with this information and wonders what else he’s keeping from her.
Will they choose to use these embryos? Will David ever be able to tell Hannah more about his previous marriage? And will Hannah make peace with the fact that Katherine will somehow always be in their lives, but David has chosen her?
The author dealt with the difficult subject of infertility and with so much sensitivity. Her characters are so well etched that it was easy to empathise with them, especially Hannah. Also, it was interesting to see how David, Katherine’s mum, her closest friend Hayley and all her other friends held pieces of the puzzle that was Katherine’s story.
There were so many emotions that arose while reading this story – empathy, anger, frustration and sadness.
Another beautiful story of love, family, friendship and healing from the author.
July 30, 2025
"To Be a Mother," by Emma Robinson, is an absolutely beautiful, yet heartbreaking novel about the meaning of being a mother, whether a woman must be biologically connected to her baby, or whether mothering is the loving, nurturing, and raising of a child. I am in the second category. Giving birth does not make someone a mother, any more than fertilizing an egg makes a man a father. The question raised in this novel is whether Hannah, 41, happily married to a widower, David, will choose to carry the embryo created and frozen by David and his late wife, Katherine. Hannah and David are told that she will never conceive on her own, that her eggs are no longer of the quality to sustain life. They talk about a donor egg, adoption, etc, but then Hannah learns that her mother is not in great health, and she really wants to have a baby while her mother is alive, so the woman will know the joys of being a grandmother. The logical choice to get in vitro underway quickly, is to use the embryos that are available now.
Over the course of the novel, there are twists and turns, as secrets are revealed about Katherine, her death, her marriage to David, and so much more. There were definitely some surprises, except the final one, which caught me totally off guard (the sign of good writing). The story goes back and forth in time telling Katherine's story and Hannah's. There are some interesting supporting characters, some seem to judge Hannah unfairly, especially those who were close friends with Katherine and miss her. David married Hannah quickly after his wife's death, which seemed shady to some in his orbit, but there were reasons and serendipity involved.
The plot, pacing, and writing are 5 stars worthy, thus I gave this book 5 stars. I listened to the audiobook, and had moments where I was cringing when the characters who were supposed to be in their 60s were speaking (the mothers of Hannah and Katherine, mostly). Women in their 60s are vibrant. They do not sound as if they are 98, with cracking, croaky voices. I can only assume the two women who did the narration of the novel are very young, and must think that 60 is ancient. I found it sounded ridiculous and it bugged me every time they spoke this way, plus, there were a few words that were mispronounced, but I blame whomever edited the recording. The author still deserves kudos for her interesting and thought provoking novel.
Over the course of the novel, there are twists and turns, as secrets are revealed about Katherine, her death, her marriage to David, and so much more. There were definitely some surprises, except the final one, which caught me totally off guard (the sign of good writing). The story goes back and forth in time telling Katherine's story and Hannah's. There are some interesting supporting characters, some seem to judge Hannah unfairly, especially those who were close friends with Katherine and miss her. David married Hannah quickly after his wife's death, which seemed shady to some in his orbit, but there were reasons and serendipity involved.
The plot, pacing, and writing are 5 stars worthy, thus I gave this book 5 stars. I listened to the audiobook, and had moments where I was cringing when the characters who were supposed to be in their 60s were speaking (the mothers of Hannah and Katherine, mostly). Women in their 60s are vibrant. They do not sound as if they are 98, with cracking, croaky voices. I can only assume the two women who did the narration of the novel are very young, and must think that 60 is ancient. I found it sounded ridiculous and it bugged me every time they spoke this way, plus, there were a few words that were mispronounced, but I blame whomever edited the recording. The author still deserves kudos for her interesting and thought provoking novel.
October 5, 2022
Hannah and David have everything they could want, a happy marriage, a lovely home and some very special friends, but one thing is missing, something they both desperately want and that's a family of their own, but Hannah has just been told her eggs aren't viable and even IVF won't work, then David drops a bombshell. His first wife Katherine, who tragically died in a car accident a few years earlier, was also having fertility issues and they had frozen some of her embryos for future use, now David is suggesting that they use them. Hannah is torn, she desperately wants a baby, but how would she feel giving life to a child that could look like Katherine? Since marrying David she has lived in his first wife's shadow, always wondering whether she lived up to this wonderful person who was just amazing in every way, according to Katherine's best friends, Lauren and Priya. To then be offered the chance to use her embryos was a daunting prospect, and one that she certainly couldn't take lightly.
To Be A Mother is a beautifully depicted piece of women's fiction told by Hannah and Katherine, with the story based on infertility. Every woman believes that it will be a given, should they want children, that it will happen, unfortunately it doesn't work that way and sadly, this was the case for Hannah. I found myself invested in Hannah's plight from the beginning, hoping and praying that she would come to a decision that was right for her, and fulfil her dream of becoming a mother. As with all this authors books, the topics she writes about are told with compassion and sensitivity and this one is no different. Robinson takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride of a read with this story, and just when you think you can put the tissues away, she comes at you again with both barrels. This is a fast paced read which I devoured in less than 24 hours and I highly recommend, but be prepared to have your emotions tested on this one!
I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
To Be A Mother is a beautifully depicted piece of women's fiction told by Hannah and Katherine, with the story based on infertility. Every woman believes that it will be a given, should they want children, that it will happen, unfortunately it doesn't work that way and sadly, this was the case for Hannah. I found myself invested in Hannah's plight from the beginning, hoping and praying that she would come to a decision that was right for her, and fulfil her dream of becoming a mother. As with all this authors books, the topics she writes about are told with compassion and sensitivity and this one is no different. Robinson takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride of a read with this story, and just when you think you can put the tissues away, she comes at you again with both barrels. This is a fast paced read which I devoured in less than 24 hours and I highly recommend, but be prepared to have your emotions tested on this one!
I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
October 27, 2023
It’s easy to lampoon this book because the novel is based on people acting in totally unrealistic ways. The story is told by describing what’s going on with Hannah and her husband, David, in the present and with Kathryn, David’s first wife, in the past. Hannah’s endlessly tiresome introspection about everything drags down the intensity of this unbelievable plot.
September 14, 2022
What if your only chance to be a mother was to give birth to his first wife’s child?
Hannah and David are married and they desperately want a child.....but, battling with infertility, it seems that's not on the cards for them, until David tells Hannah that he and his now-dead-wife, Katherine, have frozen embryos....something for them to consider?
I was so intrigued by this plot, that before I even knew what the book was really about, I was asking my husband what he'd do in this situation. It just gives one so much food for thought, so already I like that. When you read 10 books a month, it can be rare to find a book that offers something new....To Be a Mother was it for me.
Also, I think as a reader that usually gravitates towards thrillers, I was maybe a third through this book and I was trying to figure out, okay, where's the knife, who is the murderer??? I decided to read the synopsis and it hit me, oh....this a drama....not a deep, dark twisted thriller.... Though I must say, Emma's writing had me thinking that something really twisted could be coming, so I was predicting all sorts of plot twists while reading this.
Food for thought, a bit of a slower read, but there's a lot of backstory, so I just went with it... Once I got into the last half though, I was really turning the pages, because I found myself quite invested in Hannah, David and Katherine. I cried, I hoped, I was confused and angry at one character at a time.....their choices really didn't make sense to me, but their choices also really did make sense, though I think it kind of opened a whole other can of worms in the present storyline.....but let's ignore that and enjoy the book for what it was, a thought provoking family drama, that will have you feeling all the feels....as the young ones say :)
Hannah and David are married and they desperately want a child.....but, battling with infertility, it seems that's not on the cards for them, until David tells Hannah that he and his now-dead-wife, Katherine, have frozen embryos....something for them to consider?
I was so intrigued by this plot, that before I even knew what the book was really about, I was asking my husband what he'd do in this situation. It just gives one so much food for thought, so already I like that. When you read 10 books a month, it can be rare to find a book that offers something new....To Be a Mother was it for me.
Also, I think as a reader that usually gravitates towards thrillers, I was maybe a third through this book and I was trying to figure out, okay, where's the knife, who is the murderer??? I decided to read the synopsis and it hit me, oh....this a drama....not a deep, dark twisted thriller.... Though I must say, Emma's writing had me thinking that something really twisted could be coming, so I was predicting all sorts of plot twists while reading this.
Food for thought, a bit of a slower read, but there's a lot of backstory, so I just went with it... Once I got into the last half though, I was really turning the pages, because I found myself quite invested in Hannah, David and Katherine. I cried, I hoped, I was confused and angry at one character at a time.....their choices really didn't make sense to me, but their choices also really did make sense, though I think it kind of opened a whole other can of worms in the present storyline.....but let's ignore that and enjoy the book for what it was, a thought provoking family drama, that will have you feeling all the feels....as the young ones say :)
September 29, 2022
I don’t know how Emma Robinson does it, but she has written another compelling, heartbreaking read that had me with a huge lump in my throat and reaching for my box of tissues more than once. Hannah and David are happy and in love. While it is David's second marriage, Hannah does not feel like she is playing second fiddle to his first wife, Katherine. In fact, her and David want to start a family.
However, they are forced to choose either IVF, or possibly adoption. After the IVF process has started, Hannah learns that her eggs would not be viable. So, the choice if they stay with IVF are donor eggs. Hannah is devastated as she has always wanted a child of her very own. David has another suggestion. As he and Katherine were also using IVF, she still had several donor eggs Will Hannah accept Katherine's eggs? That is the heart-wrenching decision that plagues Hannah.
Meanwhile, things about David and Katherine's marriage begin to come to light. This takes this already compelling story to another level, and that goes a long way when it comes to understanding the decisions of the characters. It does more than that. There is a strong sense of sadness in this story. Yet, Hannah, David and yes, the reader, are not left out in the cold. This remarkable story takes a striking turn, so much so that this story begins to be expertly infused with hope. This effective story reminds me of the intense way that Jodi Picoult writes. In like fashion, Emma Robinson has delivered a strong story with equally strong characters, and one that hits on a deep emotional level.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
However, they are forced to choose either IVF, or possibly adoption. After the IVF process has started, Hannah learns that her eggs would not be viable. So, the choice if they stay with IVF are donor eggs. Hannah is devastated as she has always wanted a child of her very own. David has another suggestion. As he and Katherine were also using IVF, she still had several donor eggs Will Hannah accept Katherine's eggs? That is the heart-wrenching decision that plagues Hannah.
Meanwhile, things about David and Katherine's marriage begin to come to light. This takes this already compelling story to another level, and that goes a long way when it comes to understanding the decisions of the characters. It does more than that. There is a strong sense of sadness in this story. Yet, Hannah, David and yes, the reader, are not left out in the cold. This remarkable story takes a striking turn, so much so that this story begins to be expertly infused with hope. This effective story reminds me of the intense way that Jodi Picoult writes. In like fashion, Emma Robinson has delivered a strong story with equally strong characters, and one that hits on a deep emotional level.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
October 14, 2022
To be a mother… That would be a dream come true for a lot women. Mother Nature is not always helpful though. Some are lucky enough to conceive easily, have a dream pregnancy and a delivery from heaven. Some have a more difficult 9 months and the delivery is one from hell. But both category of women have what they wished for: a bundle of joy.
Then there is the third group: women who are disappointed month after month. And while their despair grows each time, their longing grows even faster.
Thank God the medical help the couples can receive is getting better and better, but it still is paired with a lot of pain and heartache before the test comes back with those long longed for 2 lines.
When all the above fails, there is still adoption as a last resort.
What comes as easy as one, two, three to some people, really takes a uphill drive for others…
Hannah and David desperately want to become parents. Unfortunately they are also involved in a fierce struggle with nature. They have to make a decision. They have to choose between using donor eggs, adoption or … David and Katherine’s (David’s first wife) embryos. It goes without a doubt it’s Hannah who struggles the most… But what is primordial? It’s holding a baby in her arms and the biological clock is ticking…
Which option would you pick?
A very beautiful and emotional story about love, putting other people’s happiness before your own and friendship. I will always remember this: family has nothing to do with blood.
You sometimes think you know where the author will take you, but it seems like you knew nothing at all. 😉 5 stars
Thank you
Then there is the third group: women who are disappointed month after month. And while their despair grows each time, their longing grows even faster.
Thank God the medical help the couples can receive is getting better and better, but it still is paired with a lot of pain and heartache before the test comes back with those long longed for 2 lines.
When all the above fails, there is still adoption as a last resort.
What comes as easy as one, two, three to some people, really takes a uphill drive for others…
Hannah and David desperately want to become parents. Unfortunately they are also involved in a fierce struggle with nature. They have to make a decision. They have to choose between using donor eggs, adoption or … David and Katherine’s (David’s first wife) embryos. It goes without a doubt it’s Hannah who struggles the most… But what is primordial? It’s holding a baby in her arms and the biological clock is ticking…
Which option would you pick?
A very beautiful and emotional story about love, putting other people’s happiness before your own and friendship. I will always remember this: family has nothing to do with blood.
You sometimes think you know where the author will take you, but it seems like you knew nothing at all. 😉 5 stars
Thank you
September 10, 2022
To Be A Mother is a beautifully written, emotional, family drama. I would suggest you have your tissues at the ready for this one! Emma Robinson certainly knows how to tug at her readers heartstrings! David and Hannah are deeply in love and want to start a family, but Hannah’s has fertility issues. They have options, including using embryos that were previously frozen by David and his first wife, Katherine. For most Women the thought of carrying your husband's first wife’s embryos would be off-putting. But in Hannah’s case, she is desperate for a baby. It’s all she can think about. Does Hannah use the embryos and risk her potential child being a daily reminder of Katherine or risk not having a child at all? Fertility is a sensitive issue and the need to become a mother can be all consuming. Emma Robinson captures Hannah’s every emotion perfectly.
Poor Hannah has to live in the shadow of Katherine, the ‘Perfect wife, mother and daughter. I liked the way Emma Robinson incorporated a mystery element into the story. You learn what happened in the weeks leading up to Katherine’s death. It’s these chapters that reveal a different side to Katherine’s character. From the start, the author creates characters you invest in. I hoped David and Hannah would get their ‘happy ever after’. The complexities of infertility, Hannah’s own doubts, and family secrets emerging ensure that her path to motherhood is a turbulent one. I found To Be A Mother a powerfully uplifting story that I really enjoyed.
Poor Hannah has to live in the shadow of Katherine, the ‘Perfect wife, mother and daughter. I liked the way Emma Robinson incorporated a mystery element into the story. You learn what happened in the weeks leading up to Katherine’s death. It’s these chapters that reveal a different side to Katherine’s character. From the start, the author creates characters you invest in. I hoped David and Hannah would get their ‘happy ever after’. The complexities of infertility, Hannah’s own doubts, and family secrets emerging ensure that her path to motherhood is a turbulent one. I found To Be A Mother a powerfully uplifting story that I really enjoyed.
September 7, 2022
Two years ago, Hannah finally met the man of her dreams. David checked almost all of her boxes, and at her age, she wasted no time deciding he was her forever. A handsome and honest widower was perfect for Hannah-or so she thought. Infertility can bring out the ugly truths in the difficult journey to becoming a parent-and the reminder that not everyone knows the real story of how exactly David became a widower in the first place. This enticing story of fertility struggles and the depths of love was a beautiful quick read that included ups and downs while sweet Hannah tried to see her position from many different angles and discovers she is unsure of who’s angle is the right one to use. Her own friends? Her mother? Katherine’s friends? Every page changes the outcome-so keep turning!
I thought this was a well written novel. I liked the original story, and all of the angles that came with it. Charlotte initially was not my favorite-but I can definitely see why her angle was important! I love how she came around and was just being a good friend from the start! Lauren and Priya though-they can kick rocks. I liked the slight mystery aspect of the plot and the dual POV! It being an unedited version I can see where corrections need to be made-per cent vs percent and some small things that will be caught while editing. Overall a nice change of pace from so many mainstream books!
Thank you to NetGalley for approving me for this ARC!
I thought this was a well written novel. I liked the original story, and all of the angles that came with it. Charlotte initially was not my favorite-but I can definitely see why her angle was important! I love how she came around and was just being a good friend from the start! Lauren and Priya though-they can kick rocks. I liked the slight mystery aspect of the plot and the dual POV! It being an unedited version I can see where corrections need to be made-per cent vs percent and some small things that will be caught while editing. Overall a nice change of pace from so many mainstream books!
Thank you to NetGalley for approving me for this ARC!
September 2, 2022
When Hannah met David, it was love at first sight. They were married quickly, but she knew it was the right choice. They were always laughing, the passion was unmatched, and they wanted the same things. Most of all, they wanted a family.
For David, it was doubly important. He’d tragically lost his first wife, Katherine, several years before. Hannah was, he said, the person who saved him from his grief. Though his friends had been worried he was moving on too fast, and Hannah sometimes still felt a strange jealousy towards his first wife, deep down she knew she was meant to be his happy ever after.
Even so, when Hannah discovers she can’t have children, she’s worried it will fracture their relationship. Family is so important to both of them. Surely, she reasons, there must be a way.
And then David tells her there is. He’s never told Hannah because he had hoped they’d have a child of their own. But just before Katherine died, she had gone through fertility treatment and her eggs now frozen in a clinic legally belong to David.
Hannah wants nothing more than to be a mother. But if it meant you and your husband could have the child you’ve always dreamed of could you really carry his first wife’s baby?
Really enjoyed this book totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture
I just reviewed To Be a Mother by Emma Robinson. #ToBeaMother #NetGalley
Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture
I just reviewed To Be a Mother by Emma Robinson. #ToBeaMother #NetGalley
October 12, 2022
What an interesting read! Thank you NetGalley for something so new and different. I can honestly say I’ve never read a book like this and it was very well done!
Hannah and David are 40 somethings. Hannah is David’s second wife. David was married to Katherine for some time but she died in a car accident and now he’s remarried and Katherine is his past. Hannah can’t seem to be free of the Katherine’s presence even though she’s dead. She lives in their house, they hang out with her friends and she’s constantly reminded by everyone how awesome Katherine was. As Hannah and David struggle to have a child, she quickly learns more about Katherine than David ever told her. Including the fact that Katherine and David had embryos frozen to use in IVF treatments.
Hannah is determined to have a child and the quickest way are those embryos. Now she has to decide if she can live with carrying her husband’s and his first wife’s child.
As we read about the tough decision that Hannah and David face we also learn more about Katherine’s final days. It’s not what you think and you won’t be able to put the book down.
I only wish we had gotten to be part of Hannah and David’s journey for a bit longer. Right when the book got to the best part… it was over.
I will look into more of Emma Robinson’s books. I look forward to reading her other books for sure.
Hannah and David are 40 somethings. Hannah is David’s second wife. David was married to Katherine for some time but she died in a car accident and now he’s remarried and Katherine is his past. Hannah can’t seem to be free of the Katherine’s presence even though she’s dead. She lives in their house, they hang out with her friends and she’s constantly reminded by everyone how awesome Katherine was. As Hannah and David struggle to have a child, she quickly learns more about Katherine than David ever told her. Including the fact that Katherine and David had embryos frozen to use in IVF treatments.
Hannah is determined to have a child and the quickest way are those embryos. Now she has to decide if she can live with carrying her husband’s and his first wife’s child.
As we read about the tough decision that Hannah and David face we also learn more about Katherine’s final days. It’s not what you think and you won’t be able to put the book down.
I only wish we had gotten to be part of Hannah and David’s journey for a bit longer. Right when the book got to the best part… it was over.
I will look into more of Emma Robinson’s books. I look forward to reading her other books for sure.
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