The Secret Daughter: A beautiful novel of adoption, heartbreak and a mother’s love
£1.90
38 years later…
‘You were adopted’. Three short words and Sabina’s life fractures. There would forever be a Before those words, and an After.
Pregnant with her own child, Sabina can’t understand how a mother could abandon her daughter, or why her parents have kept the past a secret.
Determined to find the woman who gave her away, what she discovers will change everything, not just for Sabina, but for the women who have loved her all these years.
From the bestselling author of Me Without You comes another touching, beautifully told story about the pain of separation and the enduring strength of love.
Find out what readers are saying about The Secret Daughter
‘I adored this novel. Absolutely, 100% adored it. Kelly Rimmer is a beautiful writer … The Secret Daughter packed such an emotional, powerful punch, one that I don’t think I’ve felt before that I’ll always associate with her novels from now on.’ Becca’s Books
‘Kelly Rimmer did an amazing job of telling such a heartbreaking tale. This story had me laughing, crying and hugging my daughter a wee tighter. I loved this story!’ Steph and Chris Book Reviews
‘This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster from the first words… The Secret Daughter is a story that will stay with you long after you have finished the book.’ Ask a Bookworm
‘This was a refreshingly different read which I would put in the same vein as Diane Chamberlain but this was even better than some of Diane’s latest releases. This is no girl meets boy and falls in love read but rather a heartbreaking, beautifully written story based on true facts… I would highly recommend The Secret Daughter, a thought provoking, emotional story not to be missed.’ Shaz’s Book Blog
‘This was such a moving story, convincingly told. It is almost as though you are reading a memoir rather than a novel … a really compelling read and would definitely recommend it.’ Portobello Book Blog
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Additional information
| Publisher | 1st edition (18 Jun. 2015), Bookouture |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| File size | 3350 KB |
| Text-to-Speech | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Sticky notes | On Kindle Scribe |
| Print length | 321 pages |
by Debbie Roughley
Such a beautiful book. I thought the way the story was initially told alternating between Lily in 1973 and Sabina in 2012 was very cleverly written. Then using Megan’s voice also in 1973 once Sabina was born completed the story and tied up all the loose ends.
I loved the way Lily’s part of the story was presented in the form of letters to James when she was ‘imprisoned’ in the maternity home. It was heartbreaking to read as her hope and optimism that she would be able to keep her baby and her and James would be married was slowly ripped from her. It was infuriating to read the way these poor girls were treated by doctors, nurses and social workers. It was especially upsetting to know that whilst this was fictional the issue of forced adoptions and the treatment these young girls received was anything but fiction.
Sabina’s reaction to the shocking news was perfectly described as she went through various stages of emotions. Firstly upset and disbelief as she struggled to accept that her parents had lied and deceived her for 37 years. Then confusion and anger when they refused to explain and she started to see a different side to her ‘perfect’ parents.
I loved the section of the book when Sabina and Lily were finally reunited. It was both heartbreaking and wonderful at the same time.
I was shocked at first when the truth about how Megan had come to adopt Sabina was revealed but without spoiling the story, whilst I could never agree with Megan’s actions, as the story unfolded in her voice I did understand them.
I think this book possibly resonated more with me as my husband was adopted. He was actually born in a mother and baby home in 1960 and also found his birth mum when he was 37. It made me think even more about how traumatic it must have been for young mothers who gave up their babies whether voluntary or forced.
I definitely recommend this book.
by If Only I Could Read Faster
I really enjoyed Kelly Rimmer’s previous book so I was looking forward to reading The Secret Daughter. Once again Kelly has created a story with real heart, true to life characters take us on a journey through time as the story plays out.
I’m not a huge fan of books that tell two stories at the same time, with each story set in a different time (nearly 40 years apart in this case) but it worked incredibly well here and was essential to telling the story and kept the reader wanting to find out more.
It is utterly tragic what happened in the Australian maternity homes in the 70s, and it is something that I didn’t know about until reading this book. I’m not sure how Rimmer did her research but it felt very real and true to life. I happened to stumble on an article about the Australian maternity homes just as I was finishing this book and it was clear that Rimmer had not exaggerated the awfulness of what happened for the book.
The main family dynamics in the book was well played out, reflecting the complexities of many relationships between parents and their children. This book did not feel formulaic in any way. If you like family dramas then this book is for you, if you have an interest in adoption from anyone’s point of view, then this book is for you. Basically, if you’ve got this far into reading my review, read the book.
I was given a copy of The Secret Daughter to read in return for an honest review by the publishers through Netgalley.
by Hazel
An enjoyable thought provoking book about forced adoption that happened in the past.
by jodie Chambers
I don’t usually write reviews but this book has really touched my heart. The story of Lilly, Sabina and Megan shows that actually each of them were affected by the forced adoption. I liked how the jigsaw of the story was brought together through the experience of each woman. Although Megan’s actions were wrong you couldn’t help feeling a bit sorry for her. There is a subtle undertone of the control of Megan’s husband who appeared to pull the strings. I also like that when reunion occurred it was not the typical fictional easy tale, but captured expected difficulties. Perhaps the reunion bit happened faster than it would have in reality but not sure how the author could have stretched that part out in a book.
Brilliant read that has inspired me to research the history of adoption.
by TraceyM
Recommend
by Kel M
I can’t believe I haven’t read this book until now. A wonderful story about forced adoption, set over a dual timeline where you follow Sabina as she discovers she is pregnant and her world implodes around her. I liked how we got to know Lilly, Megan and Sabina and how the timeline went between present day and 38 years previously.
A beautiful story written about a heartbreaking time where although this isn’t written about a true story, forced adoption did take place. This raised my awareness of this practice and my heart broke for the families involved, this heartbreak is brilliantly delivered during the story and you can feel the emotions and tensions rise and fall as you read.
Another superb book by a brilliant author!
by Sarah H.
The story flicks between past and present. In the past we get to meet Sabina’s real mum in the lead up to giving birth and what life was like in the home that she was sent to. In present day we see first hand what it is like for Sabina coming to terms with finding out she is adopted.
I had so much empathy for Sabina. Usually most people know they were adopted from a young age or usually around the time they get to their eighteenth birthday. Sabina is only a couple of years off her fortieth! Understandably it comes as a big shock.
It usually always fascinates me in why a mother would give up a child. Sabina’s real mum’s story was so heart breaking to read. It was hard to imagine what life must have been like all the years she was apart from her daughter. It really makes for an emotional read.
The Secret Daughter is a heart breaking and emotional story. The author grabbed my attention right from the very first page and I was totally engrossed until the very last. Sabina and her real mother’s story will really move you and the author does it very sympathetically. Such a great read.