The Legacy of Eve

by Natasha Boydell

Can she discover the truth about her long-lost mother before becoming a mother herself? A tale of fear and family secrets by the author of The Missing Husband.

Annie’s mother, Eve, died in childbirth thirty-five years ago. Despite this profound loss, Annie’s made it to adulthood just fine. She enjoys being an estate agent, she loves her partner, Gabe—and now, after two years of trying, she’s finally expecting a baby.

But as her pregnancy progresses, Annie grows anxious about what happened to her mother, wanting to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself. Her quest for more information, though, leads only to frustration. The medical records no longer exist, her mother’s family are estranged, and even her father can’t fill in the blanks.

Then Annie comes across three long-hidden photographs. But these clues to the past raise more questions than answers—and make Annie wonder what’s real and what isn’t . . .

Genres: Family, Audiobook

Audio CD

First published August 15, 2022

About the author

Natasha is an internationally bestselling author of psychological thrillers. Her books have featured in the top 100 charts in the UK, Canada and Australia, and include the top 10 bestseller The Fortune Teller.

Natasha's novels are available around the world in ebook, paperback and audiobook and have been translated into several languages. She lives in North London with her husband, two daughters and two rescue cats.

Reviews

[Rosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a Nutshell: An interesting family drama with a bit of mystery thrown in. I didn’t expect to go “Whoa!” while reading the book, but I did.

Story Synopsis:

Annie is living an enviable life – a caring partner, a loving dad, a job she is passionate about, great work colleagues, best friends close by,… Now, a long-awaited dream has also come true – she is finally pregnant. But with this new happiness comes a new worry. Annie’s mum died while giving birth to her thirty five years ago, and a couple of casual statements by the midwife during a check-up has Annie worrying that she too might suffer the same fate. When Annie begins digging into her mother’s case, she finds nothing but frustration. Someone is covering up something, and she doesn’t know who or why. Why is there just a limited information about her mother? Are there any secrets being kept from Annie?
The story is written in a limited third person perspective.

Where the book worked for me:
😍 I love books that hit the right note with their prologue without cheating the readers. The perfect prologue acts as a teaser that not just sparks curiosity without revealing much but also fits into the main narrative smoothly. The prologue of this book gets a 10/10.

😍 The experiences of pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood from the pov of various characters ring very true. The book stays practical in this respect without going over the top.

😍 The relationships in the book are also very realistically depicted. Annie’s connections with her dad Mike, her partner Gabe, her boss Lil, her colleague Brian, and her best friend Cas are portrayed distinctively and with the right balance of fun rapport and genuine caring.

😍 Mike’s hands-on parenting gets brownie points. It’s been a long time since I have seen a dad character being written in such an impactful way. There are single dads who do an amazing job of raising their little girls, but they are hardly represented in fiction. Loved this!

😍 I was reading this primarily as a drama about motherhood. I don’t expect surprises or shocks in this genre. So when these come my way, plus points to the book.

😍 The writing is very quick-paced. Had I not been suffering from a hangover of the Fredrik Backman book I was reading prior to this one, I could have completed this easily within a day.

😍 There were some scenes where I couldn’t understand why a specific character was suddenly behaving differently. This point could have very easily turned into a negative, but the author handled it well and all the reasoning is established very clearly by the time the book comes to a close.

😍 Without going into spoilers, the only way I can word this final positive feedback point is thus: I loved how a particular character didn’t reveal what he/she/they could have revealed, choosing instead to hope. Again, so realistic! Not every thread needs to be tied neatly at the end of a fictional narrative, leaving readers with enough to look forward to in their imagination.

😍 The title is perfect for the story.


Where the book could have worked better for me:
☹ There is a fair amount of info-dumping in the latter half in the narrative of one of the characters and towards the end. The backstory of this character goes somewhat OTT.

☹ After a while, Annie’s response and actions begin getting repetitive. The middle section of the book could have been a lot tighter.


The negatives are thus far minor compared to the positives. Overall, I am very satisfied with this read. It is a story that is typical in so many ways, and yet within its content, it offers enough of novelty. This is definitely a writer I would like to read more of.

4 stars.

My thanks to Bloodhound Books for a complimentary copy of “The Legacy of Eve”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.



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[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe because I read this book on my sons birthday or maybe because it is a bloody good book, I could not put it down. I felt empathy towards all the characters, I was invested in the protagonist and in discovering what had happened in her past. I felt warmth and frustration in equal bouts towards all the key characters. Convinced I had worked out the plot I needed to keep reading to see that I was correct, reader I was wrong! A clever twist that I was not expecting. I need a sequel to see what happened next.

[Kirstie Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great read all the way through!
The Story is told in a present tense for Annie, and the past tense is her mother's story Eve, who sadly died during child birth.
I could resonate with every character, and enjoyed hearing their stories and getting to know them all.
The twist at the end totally floored me - literally did not see that coming at all.
Its one of those moments where you read it. Then read it again out loud just to make sure you are reading it right, then you are left in disbelief that you didn't see it 😂
Thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend.

[Helga Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book, didn't want to put it down.
It was heart wrenching at times, the way Annie was convinced that the same thing would happen to her whilst giving birth to her long awaited child. I cried buckets. The ending was brilliant....definitely not what I was expecting. A definite must read xx

[Brenda Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me this one,just found it totally unbelievable and very depressing.

[CJ Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!!!!

THE LEGACY OF EVE - Natasha Boydell 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is 💯 5 🌟 read! ❤️🌟❤️🌟!!!

This was such a lovely read! It was so beautifully written that it drew me in and there I was, sitting with all the characters, eager to help Annie find the answers to all her questions.

Annie and all her friends, like Brian and Lillian were so superbly described! They stood out from the pages, larger than life, brought to life! Such a gift for an author to have the skills to do this!

It’s such a gripping story. One I could really imagine happening. Annie has had a nice, happy life. Although her mum had died giving birth to her, her father brought her up and has done a good job! She’s lived a good, contented life. And now she has her own family, her boyfriend Gabe - and now they are expecting a baby. What more could she want? But the imminent birth of her own baby has made her want to learn more about her past, her own mother. She seeks the answers to all the questions she suddenly has bursting out of her. But she finds that this isn’t as easy as she thought it would be and she starts to get more and more anxious. The hospital records are no longer available, the midwife can’t help, her father is strangely reticent.

The whole story is written from Annie’s perspective, we walk alongside her, holding her hand, sharing her pain, her anguish. Her fear that she too will die in childbirth like her mum did. And then, the answers come, all is revealed. And don’t ask me about the twist! Oh my goodness! What a twist! So, so good!

This isn’t my usual read but how grateful I am for Boldwood Books to give me the opportunity to read the ARC and review this wonderful book! It is such a well written tale, one that I will carry with me for some time to come. And the biggest thank you and huge congratulations to its author Natasha Boydell. It was easy to award my 5🌟 review ❤️.

[Liz T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie has had a happy life brought up by her Father after her Mother, Eve, died whilst giving birth to her. Her Dad Mike has done such a good job that she has never really missed the Mother she never knew. Annie has been living happily with her boyfriend, Gabe for a number of years and when she becomes pregnant after trying for a couple of years they are euphoric.
When Annie visits her midwife she is asked what happened to her Mother and she in turn seeks out more information from her father who is not entirely forthcoming.
Not surprisingly Annie feels troubled by this lack of information and when her father tells her that the records are no longer available at the hospital where she was born she starts to get worried and anxious about the baby and her forthcoming delivery. She starts to have vivid dreams and becomes convinced that she also may not survive the birth.
The Legacy of Eve is an all consuming story told from Annie's perspective. The characters in the book feel very real and her boss Lilian, her co worker Brian and her best friend from school all have an important part to play in her story. I felt Annie's desperate need to get answers to her questions and it was an amazing twist to the story when all the answers were fully revealed to the reader.
The Legacy of Eve deserves a full 5 stars. Thank you Natasha Boydell and Bloodhound books for an ARC of this excellent book.

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that definitely drew me in with the synopsis. The author is new to me so I went into this book with just the expectations from the said synopsis. I just hoped the pages would fulfill the promise I felt I was given when I opened it. Good news, it definitely did that, and more.

I couldn't put this book down once I began reading. We meet Annie, whose mum died in childbirth and she was brought up by her dad. She is pregnant and cant stop thinking about her mum, due to her dying in childbirth. She wants to know why it happened and if it will possibly affect her.

Her dad won't really speak about what happened so she decides it's time she found out. She can't seem to find the answers she wants and this begins to affect her everyday life and relationships. Will she find out the truth she feels she needs? Or will it stay buried?

A story filled with characters that are so relatable and real. Told with such sensitivity and realism that I got emotional reading it. A truly different story that draws you into the lives of the characters so easily.

Thanks to Bloodhound Books and Heather Fitt for the copy of the book to review honestly.

[Alli Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new author to me and I honestly could not put this book down. It certainly wasn’t what I expected. Annie’s mum died in childbirth and she was brought up by her dad. Now she’s expecting her own baby and thoughts drift to her mum. But her dad is reluctant to give her any more information and she keeps coming up against dead ends in her quest to find out what really happened.
I won’t go into too much detail so I don’t spoil the story. It is beautifully written, and Annie and Gabe are such a lovely, relatable couple. Her boss Lil is a great support, and Brian a wonderful friend. The story unfolds slowly, flitting to the past midway so we can uncover some of the secrets. It is so sensitively written that I was moved to tears in parts. A truly wonderful and unique story. Thank you Bloodhound Books for the ARC.

[Jillian Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely first class. I would quite happily have paid full price to read and review this most fabulous book.
What amazing stories this book contains, the very similar but vastly different life’s of a mother and her daughter.
The stories of Annie and Eve will fill your heart and nearly break it too.
Annie thinks her mom died whilst giving birth to her but is this really true or has someone been keeping the truth from her for decades.
Eve was broken and bruised but can she re build all she has loved and lost?
This is a fabulous book which I urge anyone who loves reading as much as I do to pick up and read from cover to cover at their earliest opportunity.
A massive 10 out of 10 from me and a huge thank you to Heather and Bloodhound for giving me the chance to read and review it.
To Natasha Boydell, I can’t wait to read more of your books.

[Sandra Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is out August 15, 2022.The paperback is out August 1, 2022. This is a story of Annie Branning; she is an estate agent. Annie is with her partner Gabe a man that loves her. They wanted one special thing that will make life complete for them both is a child. Now, Annie has good news she is expecting a baby. They told her father Mike who raised Annie as a single father. He loved his little girl. And she has so much support and love around her. Annie starts to wonder about her mother Eve who died in childbirth after having her. To find answers, connections, and details about her mother. This story has a twist and mystery you have to read to believe. And you will meet the bundle of joy for Annie and Gabe and so much more. I enjoyed this story. I hope you will read to find out what happens and more.

[mandy sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new author to me and I wouldn’t normally have read this type of book but I’m so glad I did. The main character Annie is happily pregnant after a couple of years of trying. The only problem is that as her own mother died in childbirth she’s anxious to find the cause in case it affects her and her unborn baby. Answers however are not forthcoming which ever way she turns and this starts to affect every aspect of her life and relationships. Her wonderful family and friends try to help her and want her to desist in her efforts to uncover the truth for her own good. She never does but we do and it was such a wonderful twist. I loved this book and couldn’t put it down until it was finished.

[Casey Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by this author. I have enjoyed both titles and I am looking forward to more books being published by her. The first part started off slow to me but quickly built up and I did not want to put this book down. The character development was intense and the storyline flowed beautifully. I really felt as the story went along that I sided with one character more than the others which was a really nice feeling. I always like it when I can pick a character and feel the emotions that are portrayed in the storyline.

Go put this book on your TBR and slice out some time to get this one read ASAP! You won't regret it!

**Thank you to Bloodhound Books ARC Group for allowing me to read this ARC**

[Gillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Natasha.

This one tells the story of Annie. Perfectly happy in her life, bought up by her dad alone, Annie has never questioned what happened to her mum too much. On becoming pregnant, the fact her mum died giving birth to Annie makes her pregnancy haunted by fears and nightmares.

An extremely well written story, all the characters feel very real. The emotional rollercoaster of hormones kick in for poor Annie as she tussles with a house move, a partner who loses his job, money worries and the loss of her own mother at a time when Annie began to mourn her more than ever.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed from beginning to end. This author pulled me into the story by her use of details to make the story realistic. This is a well written story about family secrets. A fast paced story that has characters that bring the story to life. They are not only connectable but they truly made the story for me. This is a hard to put down story that has some touches of mystery that made the story easy to read and hard to put down. i really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it.

[Aileen Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annie is pregnant and worried about the birth due to the fact that her mum died giving birth to her. She is trying to find out exactly what happened so that history doesn't repeat itself. A story that is full of humour and also suspense. The characters are likeable and fully rounded and the writing makes it a page turner. It's one of those books that you want to read quickly but don't want it to end.

[Jude Srivalsan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good storyline that keeps you guessing! Annie has always been told that her mother died in childbirth and has had no reason to disbelieve this. That is, until she becomes pregnant herself and starts asking questions.
Her father is unwilling to supply the answers leaving Annie wondering what actually went on.
She finds some photos of her mother in the attic and sets out to discover the truth. Very well written.

[Mel Mars · Rating 5 out of 5]

We follow newly pregnant Annie, as she begins to wonder what really happened to her mother, Eve, who died right after giving birth to her.
What should have been a happy time for Annie and partner Gabe, is now filled with doubt and anxiety.

I really enjoyed this story (hence the 5 stars). From the beginning, I was intrigued and wanted to know more about where it was going. Some topics in this book are not discussed enough, so that made for an interesting and touching read.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I read from Natasha Boydell and as the first one this one is a book worth reading. The book grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go of you until you finish reading it. With well developed characters, a strong plot, lots of twists and turns and written with realism and sensitivity this book won’t disappoint you and you’ll be left waiting to read the next book from the author.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is one that brings you along on an emotional rollercoaster as you follow along with the main characters, Annie and Gabe, as they want to become parents and how the past might play a part in the birth of their child. The question of how much do you need to know about your past in order to be able to make a future is a great one to explore. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.

[Keeley Ribchester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual genre of reading but sometimes it’s good to mix things up and so pleased I did try this story. Annie ls mother does during childbirth leaving Annie anxious the same might happen to her during her pregnancy and wondering more about the story of her mums passing. Annie finds some info leading leading to an extremely emotional story. Beautifully written in past tense for mother and present for Annie , definitely worth the tears and time taken to read l, have the tissues ready!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the really warmth and understanding you build to the main character Annie.

Her anxiety building during her pregnancy and the need for answers and closure.

The change in the middle to the sequence of events was a great way to give the reader answers - then the twist - didn’t see that coming.

[Mrs Heather Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant,I couldn't put it down. Annie has been raised by her father believing her mother died in childbirth . As Annie copes with her anxiety after finding out she's pregnant she believes that she might also die in childbirth. A brilliantly told story with very believable characters. I loved it

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a well written book! Fantastic.
Annie has a great job, great boyfriend, great Dad, great friends, she just doesn’t have a Mum, and now she is pregnant she misses her.
Annie worries she is going to suffer the same fate as her Mum, who dies giving birth.
Well worth a read and has an unexpected twist at the end.

[Jane Welchman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't read anything by this author before but was a great read. Going through all the stages the author takes you brought back all the emotions and anxieties that I felt becoming a first time mum and also touched on other aspects of my life. Found it to be a tear jerker but in a good way. Excellent writing with a surprise!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.

It was difficult to read in places and certainly pulled at my heart strings.

It was well written with some comical interludes and some edge of the seat twists.

Kept my awake well into the night with a desire to find out what happened next.

Highly recommended 5 stars from me

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book from start to finish. A compelling and moving family drama about Annie, who is pregnant with her first child, who embarks on a search for answers about what happened to her mum Eve who died when she was born. This is a beautifully written book with a great supporting cast of characters. A wonderful read.

[Sarah Hawthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book written so sensitively but very relatable - and with an ominous beat that foreshadows unexpected discoveries - and Natasha doesn’t disappoint with a great twist.
I was disappointed that the book ended where it did - I really needed to know what happened next because sure as eggs are eggs, this is not the end of this story yet!

[Eva Steepe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! From unpacking complex family relationships and loss to overcoming struggles, this truly human story grabs your attention and doesn’t let it go until the end.
The twist in the middle made me gasp out loud. Perfectly crafted and a beautiful description of the stumbling blocks that come with being human and being a parent.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie was always told her Mother died in childbirth so when she finds herself pregnant she feels a need to find out the facts. When she finds some photos of her Mother they raise more questions than answers. A lovely story of the anguish a new mother goes through and the surprises she uncovers.