This was a fun read for me. It took a couple chapters for me to be completely dragged into the story and characters. Would recommend!

As someone who had to go through IVF to have a child, I felt this book portrayed infertility so well. It was handled so sensitively.

The characters are excellent. The author has developed them so well showing both the good and bad sides to them.

This is a brilliant, thought provoking and gripping debut which was a pleasure to read.

This was such a pleasant surprise. I’d never heard of this author before so I wasn’t sure what to expect and I’m so pleased to find another great author to add to my list.
This was a superb book, brilliantly written and full of twists and turns, I had no idea what would happen next and I loved reading on to find out.
I’ll be looking out for more books from Susan Spindler from now on!

Ruth is 54 and has a successful career in TV production, she is married to Adam and they have two grown up children.

When her eldest daughter Lauren who is desperate for a baby, has her eighth miscarriage and the doctors tell her not to try again, Ruth offers to be her surrogate. It is a risky idea because of her age and she knows her husband would not approve, so she keeps it a secret from him!!

The pregnancy is a success but Ruth starts thinking about the past, whilst Lauren is becoming more controlling as she feels envious of her mother's ease at carrying her grandchild. This kind offer will change their lives forever.

I couldn't put this book down. Desperate to find out what happened next.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

A gripping, great read. I will definitely read something from this author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

I reviewed this book when it was first released in hardback but only realised this when I was 20% through this one and had bored my husband senseless keep saying “ I’m certain I’ve read this book before” My mistake I suppose but I won’t review again just give it the four stars I had given the last time. #feelingmorethanalittlefoolish.

An author to look out for in the future…….This book has a great plot and I enjoyed reading it because it was really engrossing. I liked the characterization and the plot progression and pacing was really good. In fact, I believe that the pacing and tension are the two things that made this book such a huge hit.I liked the idea behind the novel and the execution of that idea was impressive. The writing style was simple and effective and the overall flow of the story felt very smooth. I read this book in one sitting as I really wanted to see how it was going to end.

I’d describe this book as realistic fiction. The author has done an amazing job at creating imaginary characters and situations that depict the world and society. The characters focus on themes of growing, self-discovery and confronting personal and social problems. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

3.5/5.

I requested this thinking it was a new novel from Susan Spindler, but actually read the hardback when it was previously called Surrogate. This was one of my favourite novels of 2021. The writing was flawless and the characterisation blew me away. Part literary suspense, part women's fiction - it had all the makings of the perfect novel, and fulfilled all expectations and more. Spindler is one to watch for sure!

Ruth Furnival has built the life she always dreamed of: a stellar career in television, a lovely home, a lawyer husband and two grown-up daughters. But at 54, with an empty nest and the menopause behind her, she feels restless and dissatisfied. After multiple rounds of failed IVF, her elder daughter Lauren is told that the only way she and her husband can have a child of their own is through surrogacy. So when Ruth discovers that, with the right dose of hormones, she could carry their baby, they agree out of desperation. At first Ruth is buoyed by a new sense of purpose, but as her pregnancy progresses, long-buried events from the past resurface. Meanwhile Lauren can't contain her corrosive envy. Isolated and alone, Ruth starts to unravel and what began as an act of altruism turns into one of atonement - for which she's willing to risk everything.

I genuinely don’t know where to begin with this book. I am still thinking about it now, days after reading it.
I think this is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.

I picked up this book, admittedly not expecting amazing things, just because I’m not very maternal. Wow. It had me hooked from the first page and I literally could not put it down

It’s hard to believe that this is a debut from the author. The book is so well written, the amount of research that has gone into this book is incredible. This is a gripping page Turner. The author made me feel at times like I was on the journey with Kate and Lauren. I felt like they were my friends. I really struggled to connect with the males of this book.

The book does cover some sensitive subjects and may be a hard read for some. However, despite the difficult topics; the author is a confident writer and treats the subjects with respect

I cannot wait for the authors next book. Thank you to the publishers for sending me a copy of this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟

This is the first book that I have read from this author and I really enjoyed it. It was gripping right from the start and kept me engaged the whole way through. There were some triggering issues within the book but they are handled sensitively and empathetically.

A compelling storyline that covers some quite sensitive subjects such as fertility and surrogacy.

The characters are well developed but not easy to like they were all quite self absorbed but I did have a high level of empathy for Lauren who struggled to have children. However felt she became very overwhelming towards the end of the book and its no surprise that Ruth was experiencing the feelings she had.

This isn't a straightforward story about surrogacy.. its intricate and delicate and has you hooked on the disastrous journey.

A good read from a new author for me, held my interest throughout with good characters although difficult subjects to write and read about.

Thank you to Netgalley and Little Brown B.G. for this ARC which I can thoroughly recommend.

A great read, that covered some difficult topics - had me gripped from the start.
Would definitely recommend.

#AnotherMother #NetGalley
Awesome.
Ruth Furnival has built the life she always dreamed of: a stellar career in television, a lovely home, a lawyer husband and two grown-up daughters. But at 54, with an empty nest and the menopause behind her, she feels restless and dissatisfied. After multiple rounds of failed IVF, her elder daughter Lauren is told that the only way she and her husband can have a child of their own is through surrogacy. So when Ruth discovers that, with the right dose of hormones, she could carry their baby, they agree out of desperation. At first Ruth is buoyed by a new sense of purpose, but as her pregnancy progresses, long-buried events from the past resurface. Meanwhile Lauren can't contain her corrosive envy. Isolated and alone, Ruth starts to unravel and what began as an act of altruism turns into one of atonement - for which she's willing to risk everything.
I loved it and completed it in a single sitting.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown Books UK Sphere for giving me an advance copy.