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My Stepmother's Secret
It’s in that moment, I realise – I have nowhere to turn. If my precious daughters and I are going to have a roof over our heads, we have to return to my childhood home. The one I’ve not felt welcome in since my father died. The one where the woman who destroyed our family still lives…
Today marks the end of my life as I know it. I have absolutely nowhere to go, no-one to turn to. My husband’s lies have ruined our family and wrecked our marriage. And now he’s disappeared, leaving just a promise to make it all right.
My daughters, Olivia and Alice, need me like never before. I will do whatever it takes to stay strong, to keep them safe and loved. So I turn to the one place I hoped never to return to. When my dad died, he left me his house, with one proviso. His second wife, my stepmother, was to be allowed to live there for as long as she wanted. She hasn’t welcomed me there, or shown a single sign of leaving, since.
But I have no choice. I need to ask for her help.
Little do I know that everything I thought I knew about the woman who destroyed my life when I was a child is about to come crashing down. Living together now, the secrets that have kept us apart for all these years are finally revealing themselves. Will our fragile bond break completely, or could it be the only thing that saves me and my daughters…?
Today marks the end of my life as I know it. I have absolutely nowhere to go, no-one to turn to. My husband’s lies have ruined our family and wrecked our marriage. And now he’s disappeared, leaving just a promise to make it all right.
My daughters, Olivia and Alice, need me like never before. I will do whatever it takes to stay strong, to keep them safe and loved. So I turn to the one place I hoped never to return to. When my dad died, he left me his house, with one proviso. His second wife, my stepmother, was to be allowed to live there for as long as she wanted. She hasn’t welcomed me there, or shown a single sign of leaving, since.
But I have no choice. I need to ask for her help.
Little do I know that everything I thought I knew about the woman who destroyed my life when I was a child is about to come crashing down. Living together now, the secrets that have kept us apart for all these years are finally revealing themselves. Will our fragile bond break completely, or could it be the only thing that saves me and my daughters…?
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2023
2734 people are currently reading
733 people want to read
About the author
Emma Robinson
26 books272 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 128 reviews
March 18, 2023
When Gabbie finds out that her husband has been keeping secrets that affect her and their two daughters, she packs up her car and heads to the only place she can go - the house she grew up in. It's her house but is lived in by her step-mother Jill - the uncaring and boring woman her father married after her wonderful loving mother died in a car accident. She doesn't want to go back there because she resents Jill and blames her for the changes in her life growing up, but she has no choice. She's keeping the reason for their unexpected trip from her two daughters - one of them a teenager who is very suspicious and difficult. By day two, Gabbie is even more resentful towards Jill and doesn't want her giving advice about her daughters. When Gabbie finally tells Jill why she has come to her family home and asks for money, Jill refuses to give her any money but tells her that she and the two girls can stay there as long as they need to.
As Gabbie begins to face the issues of her husband's addiction to gambling and her daughters' happiness, Jill begins to share family secrets with her and Gabbie finds out that nothing in her life is what she thought it was -from her loving and fun mother, why her father sent her away to boarding school, the girl who bullied her in school and her husband's addiction - she has spent her entire life viewing people and situations wrong. Now she has to decide how to deal with the changes in her life and how to best take care of her daughters and she realizes that she may need to start depending on people that she had never trusted in the past.
This well written family saga was full of secrets and the effects that those secrets had on other people. Gabbie has to decide whether to stay in her marriage and what she should tell her daughters about their father. It's also about choices and change. Is it possible to see people and situations differently than you have all of your life?.
This book was the first Emma Robinson book that I've read and I plan to read more of her books. The description of the author states that she has a passion for stories which explore the power of family and friendship in the most challenging circumstances. This book definitely fit that description and I'm anxious to try some of her earlier books. If you enjoy books about a family with secrets that are unraveling and how people deal with the secrets, this is the book for you!
As Gabbie begins to face the issues of her husband's addiction to gambling and her daughters' happiness, Jill begins to share family secrets with her and Gabbie finds out that nothing in her life is what she thought it was -from her loving and fun mother, why her father sent her away to boarding school, the girl who bullied her in school and her husband's addiction - she has spent her entire life viewing people and situations wrong. Now she has to decide how to deal with the changes in her life and how to best take care of her daughters and she realizes that she may need to start depending on people that she had never trusted in the past.
This well written family saga was full of secrets and the effects that those secrets had on other people. Gabbie has to decide whether to stay in her marriage and what she should tell her daughters about their father. It's also about choices and change. Is it possible to see people and situations differently than you have all of your life?.
This book was the first Emma Robinson book that I've read and I plan to read more of her books. The description of the author states that she has a passion for stories which explore the power of family and friendship in the most challenging circumstances. This book definitely fit that description and I'm anxious to try some of her earlier books. If you enjoy books about a family with secrets that are unraveling and how people deal with the secrets, this is the book for you!
April 6, 2023
Review coming soon.
April 3, 2023
Emma Robinson continues to surprise me! She knows exactly how to engage readers’ emotions and pull them into a story.
As Robinson explores the truths we believe and the extent we’ll go to uncover the truth, readers are pulled into Gracie and Gabbie’s lives. We learn that things aren’t always as we see them and that there’s always more to the picture than we let ourselves believe. We also step deep into the emotional roller coaster that takes off when we realize that there are some things we can’t control - other’s actions.
Robinson examines the role addiction, infidelity, divorce and secrets play in our lives and reveals the joy in second chances, forgiveness and learning to rely on others for help. This emotionally charged and thought-provoking book, centered around family secrets and bonds, is one that you’ll remember for quite some time.
I keep coming back to Robinson’s books because she writes to mirror real life and has mastered the ability to engage her readers.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
As Robinson explores the truths we believe and the extent we’ll go to uncover the truth, readers are pulled into Gracie and Gabbie’s lives. We learn that things aren’t always as we see them and that there’s always more to the picture than we let ourselves believe. We also step deep into the emotional roller coaster that takes off when we realize that there are some things we can’t control - other’s actions.
Robinson examines the role addiction, infidelity, divorce and secrets play in our lives and reveals the joy in second chances, forgiveness and learning to rely on others for help. This emotionally charged and thought-provoking book, centered around family secrets and bonds, is one that you’ll remember for quite some time.
I keep coming back to Robinson’s books because she writes to mirror real life and has mastered the ability to engage her readers.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 4, 2023
So… this is not what I excepted from the cover of this book, I loved the style of writing, the realism of it all, how the book gives a bigger insight to bulling and addictions and also the fact that as children we don’t see the bigger picture and it isn’t until we are older that we fully understand the love and care that not only our parents have for us but also what any caregiver has for the children. Now I found the actual story to be lacking in a shock factor as the cover gave me the sense it was a thriller or mystery, if I’m honest I was waiting to find out the stepmother had killed gabbies biological mum for her dad, as I started nearing the end I realised this wasn’t going to happen 😂 all in all the actual style of writing is good but I was just lacking that wow factor,
October 15, 2023
"An emotional tale of family secrets and the lengths parents will go to protect their children. —Chock-full of warmth, heartache, and hope."
Master storyteller Emma Robinson returns following To Be A Mother with her latest family drama, MY STEPMOTHER'S SECRET.
Gabbie is married to Liam, and they have two daughters, Olivia and Alice. Unfortunately, her hubby has been keeping secrets with a bad gambling problem. How will she tell her daughters and where will they live? She has a lot of decisions to make.
Gabbie has nowhere to turn but to her stepmother, Jill. Her mom and dad are gone, and even though they left her the house in the will, Jill can live there as long as she likes.
She does not care for her stepmother, whom her father married after her mother died in a car accident. She blames and resents her for all the turmoil growing up.
Everyone keeps secrets, and no one communicates—thinking they are protecting their children.
Gabbie is keeping all of this from her two daughters. She finally confesses to Jill the problem, but she does not give her money but says she can stay with her. In the meantime, Jill began to open up about the family secrets, where nothing was as it appeared.
Her father had sent her away to boarding school, and there she was bullied by another girl. She appeared to have viewed others and situations incorrectly.
Gabbie finally realizes she must depend on others for help. Highly charged topics from addiction, bullying, infidelity, affairs, family secrets, marriage, relationships, self-awareness, and second chances.
So many people had been hurt by deeply flawed parents. Why had they not told her the truth? Was it right to sacrifice your own happiness for others? What would her life be like if someone had told her the truth?
Gabbie has to make some tough choices, but she has learned from these new truths and is better equipped to handle her own life as a wife and mother to her girls and how she perceives her stepmother Jill in a different light.
This is my second book by the author, and Robinson explores the tough and messy side of families, relationships, and parenting— with a cast of well-developed characters. If you enjoy family sagas, the power of family and friendships, and the ties that bind, you will enjoy MY STEPMOTHER'S SECRET.
For fans of authors: Jodi Picoult, Rochelle Weinstein, and Suzanne Redfearn. Beautiful cover.
Thank you to #Bookouture and #NetGalley for a gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Blog Review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: April 3, 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
April 2023 Must-Read Books
Master storyteller Emma Robinson returns following To Be A Mother with her latest family drama, MY STEPMOTHER'S SECRET.
Gabbie is married to Liam, and they have two daughters, Olivia and Alice. Unfortunately, her hubby has been keeping secrets with a bad gambling problem. How will she tell her daughters and where will they live? She has a lot of decisions to make.
Gabbie has nowhere to turn but to her stepmother, Jill. Her mom and dad are gone, and even though they left her the house in the will, Jill can live there as long as she likes.
She does not care for her stepmother, whom her father married after her mother died in a car accident. She blames and resents her for all the turmoil growing up.
Everyone keeps secrets, and no one communicates—thinking they are protecting their children.
Gabbie is keeping all of this from her two daughters. She finally confesses to Jill the problem, but she does not give her money but says she can stay with her. In the meantime, Jill began to open up about the family secrets, where nothing was as it appeared.
Her father had sent her away to boarding school, and there she was bullied by another girl. She appeared to have viewed others and situations incorrectly.
Gabbie finally realizes she must depend on others for help. Highly charged topics from addiction, bullying, infidelity, affairs, family secrets, marriage, relationships, self-awareness, and second chances.
So many people had been hurt by deeply flawed parents. Why had they not told her the truth? Was it right to sacrifice your own happiness for others? What would her life be like if someone had told her the truth?
Gabbie has to make some tough choices, but she has learned from these new truths and is better equipped to handle her own life as a wife and mother to her girls and how she perceives her stepmother Jill in a different light.
This is my second book by the author, and Robinson explores the tough and messy side of families, relationships, and parenting— with a cast of well-developed characters. If you enjoy family sagas, the power of family and friendships, and the ties that bind, you will enjoy MY STEPMOTHER'S SECRET.
For fans of authors: Jodi Picoult, Rochelle Weinstein, and Suzanne Redfearn. Beautiful cover.
Thank you to #Bookouture and #NetGalley for a gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Blog Review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: April 3, 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
April 2023 Must-Read Books
April 29, 2023
Gabbie is in turmoil after discovering her husband Liam is keeping secrets from her and it could change their family forever. She has nowhere else to turn but to her step mother Jill, who lives in the house Gabbie grew up in. She packs up her life and goes with her two daughters to the only place she knows. It’s safe to say the relationship between Gabbie and Jill is not a good one and there’s a lot of resentment there. While there, Jill begins to share secrets of Gabbie’s childhood and she soon realises that her childhood and her loving mother, who passed away when Gabbie was 13, wasn’t exactly as Gabbie remembers.
This book is a bit different than the usual thrillers I go for, but was a really nice change. There was still a bit of mystery involved in this which I really liked. There was a lot of different storylines going on aside from the main one of Gabbie and Jill, like why Gabbie has left her home and husband, things going on with Gabbie’s two daughter, and there’s even a dive into Gabbie’s time at boarding school and how that experience shaped her as a person. I enjoyed reading about everything I just named and there was even more so there was always something going on, which is great!
I throughly enjoyed reading this and it was a nice change from the dark thrillers I usually read. The ending was really heart warming and it was exactly what I was hoping would happen. Overall I loved this, and can’t fault it at all. I can’t wait to read more by this author!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a bit different than the usual thrillers I go for, but was a really nice change. There was still a bit of mystery involved in this which I really liked. There was a lot of different storylines going on aside from the main one of Gabbie and Jill, like why Gabbie has left her home and husband, things going on with Gabbie’s two daughter, and there’s even a dive into Gabbie’s time at boarding school and how that experience shaped her as a person. I enjoyed reading about everything I just named and there was even more so there was always something going on, which is great!
I throughly enjoyed reading this and it was a nice change from the dark thrillers I usually read. The ending was really heart warming and it was exactly what I was hoping would happen. Overall I loved this, and can’t fault it at all. I can’t wait to read more by this author!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2023
When I read a book as moving and addictive as this, I always struggle to put my thoughts on paper. There is just so much going around in my head! It gave me a mixture of sadness, happiness and frustration. Moments where I wanted to reach into the book and give characters a much needed hug and others when I wanted to reach in with my fist.
Emma is such a talented writer. In every book she has written she has managed to completely pull me in and make me feel all the emotions and this book is no different. With a struggling mother of two, a broken marriage, family secrets, a 'wicked stepmother' and so much more, there were elements of the story I could relate to, and with so much going on, i'm sure many of Emmas other readers will too. It is believable, heart wrenching and absolutely brilliant!!
Emma is such a talented writer. In every book she has written she has managed to completely pull me in and make me feel all the emotions and this book is no different. With a struggling mother of two, a broken marriage, family secrets, a 'wicked stepmother' and so much more, there were elements of the story I could relate to, and with so much going on, i'm sure many of Emmas other readers will too. It is believable, heart wrenching and absolutely brilliant!!
March 8, 2023
My Stepmother's Secret
by Emma Robinson
Pub Date 03 Apr 2023
Bookouture
General Fiction (Adult) | Women's Fiction
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Description
It’s in that moment, I realise – I have nowhere to turn. If my precious daughters and I are going to have a roof over our heads, we have to return to my childhood home. The one I’ve not felt welcome in since my father died. The one where the woman who destroyed our family still lives. Today marks the end of my life as I know it. I have absolutely nowhere to go, no-one to turn to. My husband’s lies have ruined our family and wrecked our marriage. And now he’s disappeared, leaving just a promise to make it all right. My daughters, Olivia and Alice, need me like never before. I will do whatever it takes to stay strong, to keep them safe and loved. So I turn to the one place I hoped never to return to. When my dad died, he left me his house, with one proviso. His second wife, my stepmother, was to be allowed to live there for as long as she wanted. She hasn’t welcomed me there, or shown a single sign of leaving, since. But I have no choice. I need to ask for her help.
Little do I know that everything I thought I knew about the woman who destroyed my life when I was a child is about to come crashing down. Living together now, the secrets that have kept us apart for all these years are finally revealing themselves. Will our fragile bond break completely, or could it be the only thing that saves me and my daughters…?
🛑My Review🛑
My Stepmother's Secret
by Emma Robinson is a very powerful
emotional story about family, secrets, lies, gambling addiction ,bullying and the lengths a parent will go to, to protect their children. I was drawn to this book by its beautiful cover. It caught my attention right away. Once i read the description i knew i had to read it. This is one of those books that will stick with you for a long time. It will consume you long after you finish it. Two days later and its still on my mind. Emma Robinson sure knows how to write a mesmerizing story that will hook your attention from the first chapter and pull you across the emotional spectrum as the story and characters unfold.You feel every emotion of these characters as you turn the pages. I felt so connected to Gabbie .
I could feel every single emotion Gabbie was going through and it was like I knew her personally. All of the scenes were perfectly described and It was easy to feel as if you were right there in the middle of all of it. I cried and cried some more. I highly recommend reading this story with a box
I just want to say Thank you to author, publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this 5 star story . I truly appreciate it!
If you are looking for a well written,unforgettable, heartbreaking,emotional, beautiful story then you should definitely read this one.
*******Disclosure*******
I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.
************************
#MyStepmothersSecret #NetGalley
by Emma Robinson
Pub Date 03 Apr 2023
Bookouture
General Fiction (Adult) | Women's Fiction
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Description
It’s in that moment, I realise – I have nowhere to turn. If my precious daughters and I are going to have a roof over our heads, we have to return to my childhood home. The one I’ve not felt welcome in since my father died. The one where the woman who destroyed our family still lives. Today marks the end of my life as I know it. I have absolutely nowhere to go, no-one to turn to. My husband’s lies have ruined our family and wrecked our marriage. And now he’s disappeared, leaving just a promise to make it all right. My daughters, Olivia and Alice, need me like never before. I will do whatever it takes to stay strong, to keep them safe and loved. So I turn to the one place I hoped never to return to. When my dad died, he left me his house, with one proviso. His second wife, my stepmother, was to be allowed to live there for as long as she wanted. She hasn’t welcomed me there, or shown a single sign of leaving, since. But I have no choice. I need to ask for her help.
Little do I know that everything I thought I knew about the woman who destroyed my life when I was a child is about to come crashing down. Living together now, the secrets that have kept us apart for all these years are finally revealing themselves. Will our fragile bond break completely, or could it be the only thing that saves me and my daughters…?
🛑My Review🛑
My Stepmother's Secret
by Emma Robinson is a very powerful
emotional story about family, secrets, lies, gambling addiction ,bullying and the lengths a parent will go to, to protect their children. I was drawn to this book by its beautiful cover. It caught my attention right away. Once i read the description i knew i had to read it. This is one of those books that will stick with you for a long time. It will consume you long after you finish it. Two days later and its still on my mind. Emma Robinson sure knows how to write a mesmerizing story that will hook your attention from the first chapter and pull you across the emotional spectrum as the story and characters unfold.You feel every emotion of these characters as you turn the pages. I felt so connected to Gabbie .
I could feel every single emotion Gabbie was going through and it was like I knew her personally. All of the scenes were perfectly described and It was easy to feel as if you were right there in the middle of all of it. I cried and cried some more. I highly recommend reading this story with a box
I just want to say Thank you to author, publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this 5 star story . I truly appreciate it!
If you are looking for a well written,unforgettable, heartbreaking,emotional, beautiful story then you should definitely read this one.
*******Disclosure*******
I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.
************************
#MyStepmothersSecret #NetGalley
April 4, 2023
I was expecting more of a psychological thriller type read, it wasn't. What I did get was this amazing slow burning, domestic thriller drama written by Robinson based on family secrets and lies.
Switching from past to present time lines we get to spend time with Gabbie as a child and then as an adult as she returns to the family fold seeking help from the stepmother she's spent years resenting. I related to this, not with a stepmother but the love/hate/resentment relationship I have with my own stepfather.
I didn't expect it to resonate so much, it was moving, emotionally charged and I found myself enjoying it.
Many thanks to Bookouture for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Switching from past to present time lines we get to spend time with Gabbie as a child and then as an adult as she returns to the family fold seeking help from the stepmother she's spent years resenting. I related to this, not with a stepmother but the love/hate/resentment relationship I have with my own stepfather.
I didn't expect it to resonate so much, it was moving, emotionally charged and I found myself enjoying it.
Many thanks to Bookouture for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
April 25, 2023
This is a sweet read! Gabbie and husband Liam are having problems but we don't know what they are. Gabbie leaves with daughters Olivia (16) and Alice (8) to go visit Jill, her stepmother who married her father after her mother died. Jill is welcoming but Gabbie never really felt comfortable around her so this might be awkward. Alternating in time between past and present, the novel shows us Gabbie in boarding school and then with her daughters and Jill as they navigate the new lives and the secrets withheld that eventually bind them together! I really enjoyed this as families can be so complicated but hopefully love wins out in the end!
March 6, 2023
Gabbie’s life begins to unravel when she discovers her husband, Liam, has been keeping secrets. She packs up her kids and drive out to her childhood home where her stepmother lives. Gabbie discovers secrets about her mother, her childhood bully Jessica, and her stepmother Jill. This is a domestic suspense with good pacing. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy.
December 13, 2023
Just finished reading this, and OMG it's fantastic. Probably the fastest I've read a book in a while.
My fourth book by Emma Robinson. I was so impressed by To Save My Child that I was worried the following works wouldn't live up to the mark, but My Stepmother's Secret exceeded my expectations a long way.
The story follows Gabbie and her daughters Olivia(16) and Alice(8). With no one to turn to in very hard times, she is forced to return to her childhood home. Both parents dead, she has to turn to her stepmother Jill- the last person she wants help from. But under these chaotic circumstances, there is so much of the past that peels away.
Climax was literally perfect with stuff piling up one over the other. I think the resolution was satisfactory and the 'ghosts of the past' tied in well with the rest of the story.
Writing: The book is in third POV with dual timeline. The past stories usually start with a letter and go ahead with accompanying memories. It is on the shorter side, too and makes for a great single sitting read.
My fourth book by Emma Robinson. I was so impressed by To Save My Child that I was worried the following works wouldn't live up to the mark, but My Stepmother's Secret exceeded my expectations a long way.
The story follows Gabbie and her daughters Olivia(16) and Alice(8). With no one to turn to in very hard times, she is forced to return to her childhood home. Both parents dead, she has to turn to her stepmother Jill- the last person she wants help from. But under these chaotic circumstances, there is so much of the past that peels away.
Climax was literally perfect with stuff piling up one over the other. I think the resolution was satisfactory and the 'ghosts of the past' tied in well with the rest of the story.
Writing: The book is in third POV with dual timeline. The past stories usually start with a letter and go ahead with accompanying memories. It is on the shorter side, too and makes for a great single sitting read.
March 14, 2023
Gabbie and her 2 daughters, packed up and she decides to go to her father’s home where she grew up to stay with her stepmom. So what did her husband lie about? That made her pack and go?
Amazing writing. It’s very touching and emotional for Gabbie to learn from Jill, her stepmom about the things she didn’t know. It’s a great story about lies, loss, family and heartache as well as addiction. Gabbie’s a strong woman, making choices that are going to hard for anyone.
I really enjoyed this book.
If you enjoy reading about families with secrets, you will love this, there's just so many lies.
Amazing writing. It’s very touching and emotional for Gabbie to learn from Jill, her stepmom about the things she didn’t know. It’s a great story about lies, loss, family and heartache as well as addiction. Gabbie’s a strong woman, making choices that are going to hard for anyone.
I really enjoyed this book.
If you enjoy reading about families with secrets, you will love this, there's just so many lies.
February 24, 2023
When you've spent your teenage years resenting the woman who's taken your late mother's place in your father's life it's hard to go back and ask for help. But in this latest heartwarming novel from the very talented Emma Robinson this is what Gabbie has to do when her life implodes.
A story of secrets, misunderstandings and resentment pulled me in from the very first page. Emma makes all her characters relatable putting the reader into the position of "what would I do" in this situation. I like to think it's a compliment to the author when I say I read this book in a day as I enjoyed it so much.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read the advance copy with no obligation to leave my review
A story of secrets, misunderstandings and resentment pulled me in from the very first page. Emma makes all her characters relatable putting the reader into the position of "what would I do" in this situation. I like to think it's a compliment to the author when I say I read this book in a day as I enjoyed it so much.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read the advance copy with no obligation to leave my review
April 16, 2023
Well this was a very interesting book. Whilst reading it I went through a range of emotions and really got involved in the story. Thoughts of my teenage self and teenage daughter came to the front.
Thoroughly a self provoking book and do recommend.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
Thoroughly a self provoking book and do recommend.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
Read
March 18, 2023My Stepmother's Secret by Emma Robinson is an all-consuming read that deals with a variety of topics. The story sucked me in so much, so I read it in a day!
January 27, 2025
Oh geeze, could anyone have a worse life? Kept waiting for the happiness but not much there. Skip this one!
February 23, 2023
Once I saw this on Netgalley, I requested it straight away and couldn’t wait to get started, ,luckily I had time to keep reading once I started, it’s a mixture of heartbreak and misunderstandings and just who you can rely on once life turns sour. Another five star read from Emma Robinson.
April 7, 2023
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'My Stepmother's Secret' by Emma Robinson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Emma Robinson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 29th March 2023
This is the sixth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'My Husband's Daughter', 'Only For My Daughter', 'To Save My Child', 'To Be A Mother' and 'His First Wife's Secret' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is "An emotional story about family secrets and lies, and the lengths a parent will go to, to protect their children. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Kate Hewitt.'' 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', 'To Be A Mother', '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 41 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 the fictional Fernley Village, Suffolk, 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 Gabbie. The benefits of third person perspective 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.
'My Stepmother's Secret' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Emma discusses bullying, addiction and other domestic issues I don't want to add in case I give too much away.
Wow!!! Where to even begin?? Yet another stunning domestic drama from the extremely talented and absolutely wonderful Emma Robinson.
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.
Emma has such an amazing talent and is always able to weave serious domestic and other topics into an emotional rollercoaster ride of a story and she has covered several in this amazing book. I need to be very careful in writing this review as I really don't want to spoil anything for future readers so I will try my best to give as much detail in my review without going to in depth as to give too much away. The fact that Emma has done her research on so many topics absolutely shines through and this is one of the things that I love abut Emma is that she always does sych alot of research for her books and ensures there are no mistakes that could spoil the storyline for readers. Some of the topics that Emma has covered in this book include addiction, bullying, medical research, boarding school and much more nut any other subjects I mention may give too much away, After you have finished this fantastic book make sure you keep on going until the very last page to not only read the prologue and first three chapters of 'My Husbands Daughter' but to also read her letter which mentions Boarding School Syndrome. This is something I have never heard of, so thank you Emma on teaching me something new and not for the first time, and as soon as I have typed this up I am off to do some more of my own research on it. I absolutely loved this book, no surprise there really as all Emma's books have all been amazing, and I just could not put it down!! I ended up devouring it in a few hours as every time I told myself I would finish that chapter and get on with something else I just had to read the next and then the next until before I knew it I had come to the last page!! It is one of those books that had me hooked onto my kindle from the first page to the last and I ended up walking around with my eyes glued to the pages, well screen!! It is ram packed with emotions and so much going on. I was on the edge of my seat on so many occasions and as a parent myself some of the events that happened would have been my worse nightmare and there was more than one of them!! I cannot even begin to imagine how poor Gabbie kept herself going, I will go into the characters later on. As a parent myself I felt emotions such as horror, panic, love, dread, worry, stress, annoyance, guilt and so much more!! Emma's evocative writing skills ensures everything mentioned came to life around me and it felt like I was right next to Gabbie both in the present and past. I loved that Emma included letters between Gabbie and her Mum throughout the book as it gives the reader an insight into her Mum as well as Gabbie. This book isn't just filled with emotions but also shocks and surprises that absolutely blew my mind and I just was not expecting at all!! It is also filled with mystery and it left me intrigued to what happened between Gabbie and Liam for her to have to go to her stepmother, what happened between Gabbie's Mum and Dad, what happened with Jessica and why was she being the way she was and so much more. It was non stop and just when you think things couldn't get any worse for Gabbie and her family something else came smashing towards them around the corner. It is an absolutely beautiful story of love, loss, parenting, forgiveness, friendship, secrets and family!! It is filled with love, family, friendship, regrets, selflessness, heartbreak and much much more. It is extremely thought provoking and just goes to show that sometimes keeping the truth from someone because you think you are protecting them isn't always the right thing to do and can sometimes make things worse. I love how Emma manages to take what could be such controversial subjects and manages to weave them into absolutely addictive and gorgeous stories. Emma manages to mix the past and present chapters in at the perfect times so you get a bigger picture of what is and was going on but no too much to give the story away too early. There is so much going on this book that I just could 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 wont say anymore 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 heart-breaking 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 Gabbie but in Olivia and Alice too. My heart absolutely went out and broke for Gabbie especially as a parent myself. She not only had her own history and family past to deal with but everything her husband Liam was putting her through, her feelings for Jill and the stress of everything that was going on with her children Olivia who was 16 years old and Alice who was 8 year old to deal with too. It is hard enough as a parent anyway let alone as a Mum who has to move in with a step-mother she dislikes and one she hasn't seen in 3 years along with everything else. I need to be careful with how much as I say not to give anything away. Emma's writing skills made me feel that I was going through everything Gabbie was going through making my heart beat faster and then break. It wasn't just adult problems that she had had to deal with too but everything that went on when she was a child, from being sent to boarding school to losing her mother at a young age to feeling betrayed by her Dad to being bullied and isolated whilst in boarding school. I absolutely cannot abide bullying regardless of where it takes place and I wanted to punch Jessica (the ringleader) so many times I lost count. However, and there is no excuse for bullying, including the reasons given, but I did feel sorry for Jessica for what happened to her as a child too and I was gobsmacked when I found out!! You manage to shock me in all your books Emma and you would think I would start working things out by now but you manage to get me every time so a huge CONGRATULATIONS as I read hundreds of books a year so it gets harder and harder to shock me but you've done it from the first book I read by you to this one. I had mixed emotions about Jill (Gabbie's stepmother) as well as Gabbie's mother and father. Again, I need to be careful I don't say too much as I don't want to give anything away so all I will say about them really is that I thought Jill seemed very bossy to Gabbie and judgemental when she moved in with her children but I do think that she was fantastic with Olivia and Alice. Olivia is at that joyful age of 16 where she wants to be treated as an adult but act like a child at times and although I did think she was being a brat at some points I also seen how mature she could be, how sweet and wonderful she was to her sister Alice and how it also cant be easy for any child to go through what was happening. Rose was really sweet and innocent and I loved watching her relationships develop with Jill and some of the funny things she came out with. I really liked Gabbie's childhood friend Tricia who said it how it was and was a great support network for Gabbie. She was a lovely friend who would drop anything to come out to help her regardless of their past separation. I didn't trust Liam as there was something going on that he was behind although we don't find out until later in the book but I couldn't stand the way her kept trying to blame Gabbie who I was rooting for throughout and shouting at her to leave him!! Whether she does or not I will leave you ti find out yourself along with what Liam did and what secret Jill is hiding. Teaser I know but you'll just have to pick your copy up ASAP wont you Emoji. Gabbie is an absolutely amazing Mum who was continuously putting herself last and doing what she thinks is right for her children. However, does she get it right? Do any of us know that what we are doing is the right thing for our children? 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. regardless of whether I liked, loved or hated them they all worked together perfectly to make yet another exceptional read by the amazing Emma!!!!
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the prologue and first three chapters 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, addictive and emotional roller coaster, beautiful story of love, secrets, family, heartbreak and so much more!!
Genres covered in this novel include Literary Fiction, Women's Divorce Fiction, Mystery, Romantic Fiction, Thriller & Suspense Literary Fiction, Women's Writers & Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Literary Saga, Mothers & Children Fiction, Mystery, Contemporary Women's Fiction, Small Town & Rural Fiction, 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.
318 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free with 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.
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Review for 'My Stepmother's Secret' by Emma Robinson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Emma Robinson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 29th March 2023
This is the sixth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'My Husband's Daughter', 'Only For My Daughter', 'To Save My Child', 'To Be A Mother' and 'His First Wife's Secret' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is "An emotional story about family secrets and lies, and the lengths a parent will go to, to protect their children. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Kate Hewitt.'' 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', 'To Be A Mother', '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 41 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 the fictional Fernley Village, Suffolk, 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 Gabbie. The benefits of third person perspective 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.
'My Stepmother's Secret' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Emma discusses bullying, addiction and other domestic issues I don't want to add in case I give too much away.
Wow!!! Where to even begin?? Yet another stunning domestic drama from the extremely talented and absolutely wonderful Emma Robinson.
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.
Emma has such an amazing talent and is always able to weave serious domestic and other topics into an emotional rollercoaster ride of a story and she has covered several in this amazing book. I need to be very careful in writing this review as I really don't want to spoil anything for future readers so I will try my best to give as much detail in my review without going to in depth as to give too much away. The fact that Emma has done her research on so many topics absolutely shines through and this is one of the things that I love abut Emma is that she always does sych alot of research for her books and ensures there are no mistakes that could spoil the storyline for readers. Some of the topics that Emma has covered in this book include addiction, bullying, medical research, boarding school and much more nut any other subjects I mention may give too much away, After you have finished this fantastic book make sure you keep on going until the very last page to not only read the prologue and first three chapters of 'My Husbands Daughter' but to also read her letter which mentions Boarding School Syndrome. This is something I have never heard of, so thank you Emma on teaching me something new and not for the first time, and as soon as I have typed this up I am off to do some more of my own research on it. I absolutely loved this book, no surprise there really as all Emma's books have all been amazing, and I just could not put it down!! I ended up devouring it in a few hours as every time I told myself I would finish that chapter and get on with something else I just had to read the next and then the next until before I knew it I had come to the last page!! It is one of those books that had me hooked onto my kindle from the first page to the last and I ended up walking around with my eyes glued to the pages, well screen!! It is ram packed with emotions and so much going on. I was on the edge of my seat on so many occasions and as a parent myself some of the events that happened would have been my worse nightmare and there was more than one of them!! I cannot even begin to imagine how poor Gabbie kept herself going, I will go into the characters later on. As a parent myself I felt emotions such as horror, panic, love, dread, worry, stress, annoyance, guilt and so much more!! Emma's evocative writing skills ensures everything mentioned came to life around me and it felt like I was right next to Gabbie both in the present and past. I loved that Emma included letters between Gabbie and her Mum throughout the book as it gives the reader an insight into her Mum as well as Gabbie. This book isn't just filled with emotions but also shocks and surprises that absolutely blew my mind and I just was not expecting at all!! It is also filled with mystery and it left me intrigued to what happened between Gabbie and Liam for her to have to go to her stepmother, what happened between Gabbie's Mum and Dad, what happened with Jessica and why was she being the way she was and so much more. It was non stop and just when you think things couldn't get any worse for Gabbie and her family something else came smashing towards them around the corner. It is an absolutely beautiful story of love, loss, parenting, forgiveness, friendship, secrets and family!! It is filled with love, family, friendship, regrets, selflessness, heartbreak and much much more. It is extremely thought provoking and just goes to show that sometimes keeping the truth from someone because you think you are protecting them isn't always the right thing to do and can sometimes make things worse. I love how Emma manages to take what could be such controversial subjects and manages to weave them into absolutely addictive and gorgeous stories. Emma manages to mix the past and present chapters in at the perfect times so you get a bigger picture of what is and was going on but no too much to give the story away too early. There is so much going on this book that I just could 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 wont say anymore 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 heart-breaking 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 Gabbie but in Olivia and Alice too. My heart absolutely went out and broke for Gabbie especially as a parent myself. She not only had her own history and family past to deal with but everything her husband Liam was putting her through, her feelings for Jill and the stress of everything that was going on with her children Olivia who was 16 years old and Alice who was 8 year old to deal with too. It is hard enough as a parent anyway let alone as a Mum who has to move in with a step-mother she dislikes and one she hasn't seen in 3 years along with everything else. I need to be careful with how much as I say not to give anything away. Emma's writing skills made me feel that I was going through everything Gabbie was going through making my heart beat faster and then break. It wasn't just adult problems that she had had to deal with too but everything that went on when she was a child, from being sent to boarding school to losing her mother at a young age to feeling betrayed by her Dad to being bullied and isolated whilst in boarding school. I absolutely cannot abide bullying regardless of where it takes place and I wanted to punch Jessica (the ringleader) so many times I lost count. However, and there is no excuse for bullying, including the reasons given, but I did feel sorry for Jessica for what happened to her as a child too and I was gobsmacked when I found out!! You manage to shock me in all your books Emma and you would think I would start working things out by now but you manage to get me every time so a huge CONGRATULATIONS as I read hundreds of books a year so it gets harder and harder to shock me but you've done it from the first book I read by you to this one. I had mixed emotions about Jill (Gabbie's stepmother) as well as Gabbie's mother and father. Again, I need to be careful I don't say too much as I don't want to give anything away so all I will say about them really is that I thought Jill seemed very bossy to Gabbie and judgemental when she moved in with her children but I do think that she was fantastic with Olivia and Alice. Olivia is at that joyful age of 16 where she wants to be treated as an adult but act like a child at times and although I did think she was being a brat at some points I also seen how mature she could be, how sweet and wonderful she was to her sister Alice and how it also cant be easy for any child to go through what was happening. Rose was really sweet and innocent and I loved watching her relationships develop with Jill and some of the funny things she came out with. I really liked Gabbie's childhood friend Tricia who said it how it was and was a great support network for Gabbie. She was a lovely friend who would drop anything to come out to help her regardless of their past separation. I didn't trust Liam as there was something going on that he was behind although we don't find out until later in the book but I couldn't stand the way her kept trying to blame Gabbie who I was rooting for throughout and shouting at her to leave him!! Whether she does or not I will leave you ti find out yourself along with what Liam did and what secret Jill is hiding. Teaser I know but you'll just have to pick your copy up ASAP wont you Emoji. Gabbie is an absolutely amazing Mum who was continuously putting herself last and doing what she thinks is right for her children. However, does she get it right? Do any of us know that what we are doing is the right thing for our children? 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. regardless of whether I liked, loved or hated them they all worked together perfectly to make yet another exceptional read by the amazing Emma!!!!
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the prologue and first three chapters 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, addictive and emotional roller coaster, beautiful story of love, secrets, family, heartbreak and so much more!!
Genres covered in this novel include Literary Fiction, Women's Divorce Fiction, Mystery, Romantic Fiction, Thriller & Suspense Literary Fiction, Women's Writers & Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Literary Saga, Mothers & Children Fiction, Mystery, Contemporary Women's Fiction, Small Town & Rural Fiction, 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.
318 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free with 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.
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April 19, 2023
This was no thriller (my mistake in not paying attention to the blurb). What it was was an amazing look at lies, secrets, long-held beliefs based on those lies and secrets, and a woman coming to grips when learning the truth. It is a story of a mother finally understanding her life and reframing the past and the future. It is a glimpse at the lengths we go to for our children's happiness with good intentions, but at a detriment to ourselves. I took a lot of away from this one and very much enjoyed it.
April 16, 2023
With a title like "My Stepmother's Secret," I was expecting a more diabolical past to be revealed than what the story told. However I did enjoy Emma Robinson's family drama about secret's and how they can destroy relationships and families.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advanced reader's copy of this book for my honest review.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advanced reader's copy of this book for my honest review.
January 2, 2024
4.5 rounded up to 5. Based on the cover and description of the book I expected more of a thriller type story. I read the entire thing waiting for something big to happen and a big revelation of the stepmother. I kept expecting something really bad. That being said, this story was so well written and really heartfelt and real. In my opinion I feel this story will be better received by a mom/parent.
Gabbie is the mom to 16 yr. old Olivia and 8 yr. old Alice. She is married to Liam who turns out to have secrets that is tearing the family apart. However, Liam has a way of hiding those secrets and being the "favorite, fun parent." Throughout the story Gabbie is reminded of her own childhood and the loss of her mother at 13. We really have two stories in one with this one. The story where Gabbie is a child and one where she is the adult and parent.
We really see how resilient children are and how hard the truth is after being lied to or deceived. I really felt a connection with these characters as they were so well developed and portrayed. This is my first book by Emma Robinson, but will not be my last.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture publishing, and author Emma Robinson for the opportunity to read. Review posted to NetGalley and GoodReads.
Gabbie is the mom to 16 yr. old Olivia and 8 yr. old Alice. She is married to Liam who turns out to have secrets that is tearing the family apart. However, Liam has a way of hiding those secrets and being the "favorite, fun parent." Throughout the story Gabbie is reminded of her own childhood and the loss of her mother at 13. We really have two stories in one with this one. The story where Gabbie is a child and one where she is the adult and parent.
We really see how resilient children are and how hard the truth is after being lied to or deceived. I really felt a connection with these characters as they were so well developed and portrayed. This is my first book by Emma Robinson, but will not be my last.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture publishing, and author Emma Robinson for the opportunity to read. Review posted to NetGalley and GoodReads.
June 30, 2025
A heartbreaking story on lies, secrets and misunderstandings. Flipping between the lives of past and present Gabbie as she tries to do the right thing by her children, only to find out everything in her life is a lie. A story of betrayal that has a somewhat happy ending. I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this.
May 16, 2023
story is ok
It took me until 1/3 of the way to get into the story. Not a horrible story but not the best either. Not sure I would recommend it but I am sure that this book has its audience. Give it a shot,you may love it.
It took me until 1/3 of the way to get into the story. Not a horrible story but not the best either. Not sure I would recommend it but I am sure that this book has its audience. Give it a shot,you may love it.
May 17, 2023
A good book
I was expecting more from this book it shouldn't be called a stepmothers secret it should be called my husband's secrets..I was disappointed in this book its definitely not a thriller book it's just an every day occurrence
I was expecting more from this book it shouldn't be called a stepmothers secret it should be called my husband's secrets..I was disappointed in this book its definitely not a thriller book it's just an every day occurrence
March 7, 2023
I made it to 35% before giving up. I just couldn’t get into this book
Thank you to net galley for allowing me to read this.
Thank you to net galley for allowing me to read this.
September 22, 2023
Enjoyed this book, found it a little slow at the start but once i got into it i really enjoyed it. Would have loved to know more behind the extent of Liam's gambling.
January 1, 2025
great story
Wonderful story how a stepmother took a little girl into her life after not wanting any kids and loved her as her own
Wonderful story how a stepmother took a little girl into her life after not wanting any kids and loved her as her own
March 29, 2023
First, I want to thank Emma Robinson, Bookouture, and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
Oh you know when Emma Robinson announces a book release this girl right here gets all giddy! Infact, I cleared my schedule to binge read My Stepmother's Secret (and made a note to stock up on tissues in case). YES, I am a huge fan of hers! How can you not fall in love with the stories that she writes from her heart straight to yours?!
Alice Moore needs to be commended on this beautiful cover design for My Stepmother’s Secret. Emma always has a great eye for cover designers for her books.
My Stepmother’s Secret focused a lot on the family dynamic and forgiveness. Oh there was tons of family drama, deep hidden secrets, very eye opening revelations that changed the perspective of what we thought was really real. This was a very deep and intense book if you think about it.
Emma incorporated some very deep, powerful and meaningful life lessons within each storyline. Lessons that can be used in our own lives as well.
One thing I love about Emma is she picks storylines that pulls hard on my heart strings. Many times she leaves me crying like a baby-which is why I have learned to stock up on tissues when reading her book. This time around sweet little Alice pulled hard on my heart strings. Early on in the book she was having symptoms but it was put on the back burner til much later in the book. However, I had a hunch what the diagnosis was and was correct because I went through the same exact situation.
The main mystery in My Stepmother’s Secret is why did Gabbie and her two daughter’s up and leave her husband to come stay with her Stepmother?! It was kept hush hush from everyone including the readers! I was dying to know what was going on and why she was so close lipped about it. However, I never ever in a million years think that would be the reason! I didn’t see that coming!
Another reason I adore Emma’s writing so much is she researches such diverse topics for her storylines. These storylines and her pulling on our heart strings makes her books a 5 star read every time. It is one major reason I will read anything by her!
Oh you know when Emma Robinson announces a book release this girl right here gets all giddy! Infact, I cleared my schedule to binge read My Stepmother's Secret (and made a note to stock up on tissues in case). YES, I am a huge fan of hers! How can you not fall in love with the stories that she writes from her heart straight to yours?!
Alice Moore needs to be commended on this beautiful cover design for My Stepmother’s Secret. Emma always has a great eye for cover designers for her books.
My Stepmother’s Secret focused a lot on the family dynamic and forgiveness. Oh there was tons of family drama, deep hidden secrets, very eye opening revelations that changed the perspective of what we thought was really real. This was a very deep and intense book if you think about it.
Emma incorporated some very deep, powerful and meaningful life lessons within each storyline. Lessons that can be used in our own lives as well.
One thing I love about Emma is she picks storylines that pulls hard on my heart strings. Many times she leaves me crying like a baby-which is why I have learned to stock up on tissues when reading her book. This time around sweet little Alice pulled hard on my heart strings. Early on in the book she was having symptoms but it was put on the back burner til much later in the book. However, I had a hunch what the diagnosis was and was correct because I went through the same exact situation.
The main mystery in My Stepmother’s Secret is why did Gabbie and her two daughter’s up and leave her husband to come stay with her Stepmother?! It was kept hush hush from everyone including the readers! I was dying to know what was going on and why she was so close lipped about it. However, I never ever in a million years think that would be the reason! I didn’t see that coming!
Another reason I adore Emma’s writing so much is she researches such diverse topics for her storylines. These storylines and her pulling on our heart strings makes her books a 5 star read every time. It is one major reason I will read anything by her!
April 2, 2023
Robinson's latest novel, My Stepmother's Secret, is an exceptional piece of writing that had me hooked from the start. I found myself completely invested in Gabbie and her family's story, unable to predict where the plot would take them. Robinson masterfully unpeels the story layer by layer, slowly revealing secrets and complexities that are true to real life.
My experience as a reader was nothing short of complete immersion in the story and its characters. As Gabbie struggled with tough choices, I felt a range of emotions that truly pulled me in. What stood out to me the most was how Robinson handled sensitive and difficult topics, such as addiction and bullying, with both grace and sensitivity.
Having read some of Robinson's previous works, I have to say that this is her greatest novel to date. She writes from the heart, but skillfully avoids sentimentality, crafting a story that mirrors the complexity of real life in all its thorniness and messiness.
Robinson's writing style is nothing short of captivating, as she teases out the story layer by layer, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. I found myself invested in Gabbie's dilemma, unsure of which way I wanted the story to go. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, and I couldn't put the book down.
One of the things that stood out to me about this book was the way Robinson addressed tough topics such as addiction and bullying. She did so with sensitivity and grace, highlighting the complexities of these issues and how they can affect not only the individual but also those around them. It was refreshing to read a book that tackled such difficult topics in a realistic and nuanced way.
As a fan of women's fiction, I would highly recommend My Stepmother's Secret to anyone looking for a captivating and thought-provoking read. Robinson has truly outdone herself with this novel, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
My experience as a reader was nothing short of complete immersion in the story and its characters. As Gabbie struggled with tough choices, I felt a range of emotions that truly pulled me in. What stood out to me the most was how Robinson handled sensitive and difficult topics, such as addiction and bullying, with both grace and sensitivity.
Having read some of Robinson's previous works, I have to say that this is her greatest novel to date. She writes from the heart, but skillfully avoids sentimentality, crafting a story that mirrors the complexity of real life in all its thorniness and messiness.
Robinson's writing style is nothing short of captivating, as she teases out the story layer by layer, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. I found myself invested in Gabbie's dilemma, unsure of which way I wanted the story to go. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, and I couldn't put the book down.
One of the things that stood out to me about this book was the way Robinson addressed tough topics such as addiction and bullying. She did so with sensitivity and grace, highlighting the complexities of these issues and how they can affect not only the individual but also those around them. It was refreshing to read a book that tackled such difficult topics in a realistic and nuanced way.
As a fan of women's fiction, I would highly recommend My Stepmother's Secret to anyone looking for a captivating and thought-provoking read. Robinson has truly outdone herself with this novel, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
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