This was such a great story and was engaged from start to finish, it had that element that I was hoping for from the description and was glad the overall feel worked in this. The characters had that realism that I was wanting and thought worked with the storyline being told. Alison Ragsdale has a strong writing style and am excited to read more.

My husband's child by Alison Ragsdale is published by Bookouture.

What would you do if you opened the door and say two young kids standing there?

Cora Campbell is a divorced chef with a cochlear implant. One night she opens the door to find her ex-husbands young daughter and baby boy with a note also g her to take care of them and telling her they are better off with her.

Who would abandoned their children in the middle of the night? Cora doesn't understand why Holly, her ex-husbands new wife would leave her kids with her.

Cora takes the children in and becomes their legal guardian. The children call her mom. Fast forward a year and Holly returns and she wants her kids. Cora's ex husband Frasier also returns but doesn't want Cora to give the children to Holly. Cora just wants to do what's best for the kids, but what is that?

This book is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Definitely an emotional rollercoaster of story.

Huge thank you to Alison, Bookouture and NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

My Husband's Child is an emotional rollercoaster of a story which I absolutely loved. It was just fantastic but make sure you have a box of tissues handy when you read it as you will definitely need them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.

What an emotional rollercoaster of a book by Alison Ragsdale
Get the tissues ready. You will need them .
Excellent

This one had me from the cover. As soon as I opened it all the heart strings were being tugged. What an emotional story of a little girls journey. You don’t want to miss this one!

My Husband's Child had me tied up in knots throughout the book. I felt so many emotions. I highly recommend this.

I really enjoyed reading this book, kept me interested and guessing until the very end.i would read more books by this author.

Wonderful story, what happens when you find 2 young children on your doorstep, emotions take over ads Cora finds out they belong to her ex-husband and his new wife. But they both seem to have disappeared and she has no way of contacting them. She finds herself on an emotional roller coaster.

When he re-appears months later she is told he left the children because they were not safe with their mother. Who to believe? You need to keep turning the pages.

A wonderful heartwarming story with a feel good ending. Great writing and character development. Loved them all.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was such an emotional book. It will stay with me for a long time. I connected with all the characters, felt everything they were going through. Exceptionally written.

"My Husband's Child" is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the intricate web of family dynamics. The novel centers around Cora, a character whose emotional depth and resilience are masterfully portrayed, making her journey both compelling and relatable. Ms. Ragsdale’s compassionate narrative style transcends the pages, reaching into my heart with its authenticity and raw emotion.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to tackle surprising and difficult topics with sensitivity and care. Ms. Ragsdale does not shy away from the complexities of family relationships, particularly the fraught and heart-wrenching dynamic between Cora and her ex husband. Through their interactions, the author delves into themes of betrayal, forgiveness, and the enduring bonds of love.

Ms. Ragsdale's expertise to connect readers with her characters is flawless. Her portrayal of Cora is particularly noteworthy; she is a character who embodies strength and vulnerability in equal measure. The author’s ability to weave Cora’s internal struggles with the external challenges she faces creates a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and heart-touching. Ragsdale’s attention to detail and her vivid descriptions bring the story to life, making it easy for me to visualize the settings and empathize with the characters’ experiences.

"My Husband's Child" is a beautifully written novel that offers a profound exploration of the complexities of love and family. Alison Ragsdale’s compassionate storytelling and her ability to convey deep emotions make this book a memorable read. It is a story that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the joys and sorrows of familial bonds, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.

I want to sincerely thank Ms. Ragsdale for the honor and privilege of reading the emotional journey I took in this fantastic book. It truly touched my heart. All opinions and thoughts in this review are my heartfelt own.

My Husband's Child by Alison Ragsdale is a compelling emotional thriller that explores themes of motherhood, trust, and redemption. The story follows Cora, who, after being left heartbroken by her husband's infidelity, is trying to rebuild her life. Everything changes one night when a little girl and her baby brother show up on Cora's doorstep, claiming that their mother said Cora would take care of them.

What begins as an act of compassion quickly escalates into something much more complicated when Cora realizes that her ex-husband's family has vanished without a trace. As she cares for the children, Cora begins to form a deep bond with them, but her peace is shattered when her ex-husband’s new wife returns with a troubling story that raises more questions than answers.

Ragsdale skillfully builds suspense and tension as Cora navigates her growing attachment to the children while facing conflicting stories from their parents. The emotional depth of Cora’s relationship with the kids is touching, and her internal struggle is portrayed with sensitivity and nuance. The pacing of the story is perfect, with unexpected twists that keep readers guessing about what happened to the children's parents and who can be trusted.

The book highlights the complexities of family dynamics and the difficult choices Cora must make. Her journey of love, guilt, and self-discovery is heart-wrenching, and the emotional stakes are high as she faces the possibility of losing the children she has come to love.

In conclusion, My Husband's Child is a thought-provoking and gripping read. It's a beautifully written story about the power of love and the lengths a person will go to protect those they care about, even when faced with impossible choices. Fans of emotional thrillers will find this a deeply satisfying read.

A very well written family drama, full of emotion and heartbreak. The characters are well developed and authentic. I loved the setting being close to Balmoral.

I can tell you one thing, Alison Ragsdale knows how to deliver a story that will tear your heart out. Her books are so wonderfully heartwarming, but to get to that point you need to feel the anguish the main character is going through first. That is not a bad thing! At some point in the book you begin to see the sun shine through the clouds. Her newest book My Husband’s Child is one of those remarkable stories.

Cora is the main character in this book. She is divorced from her husband and is living in the home that her adoptive parents left to her. She had a rough beginning to her life which gives her the big heart that she has. You must have a big heart to take in your ex-husband’s children. They have been abandoned by both their mother and father. Oh! Did I tell you to have your box of tissues handy? You might want to because this is such an utterly beautiful story.

My emotions were all over the place while I was reading this book. I loved her father in law even though he came off as an opinionated old man. He did have a soft spot in his heart for Cora. This book deals with many topics that are hard to read about. There is abandonment, abuse to name just a couple. The love that shines through in this book more than makes up for the sadness that is felt.

I love a book that will break my heart to pieces and then mend it back together again. I love a book about love and not just the love between partners, but also the love of close friends, family, and home. If you love a good clean story and one that will make you feel things you haven’t felt for awhile then Alison Ragsdale’s My Husband’s Child needs the top spot on your nightstand. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Bookouture, and Netgalley. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

REVIEW

Review for 'My Husband's Child' by Alison Ragsdale.

Well ladies and gents if you are looking for an absolutely emotive, unique and brilliant page tuner then you have definitely come to the right place!!! This book has been beautifully written and it completely drew me in with its vivid descriptions. The storyline and synopsis worked perfect for this book.

Alison Ragsdale does it yet again with an absolutely beautiful storyline that will keep you hooked. This book does contain some topics that I would normally give readers a pre-warning about but unfortunately with this book if I say what these topics are it will give too much away so just be wary when reading, there is not any child or animal death and is more concerned with adults but I really cannot say anything more. What I must do though is congratulate and thank Alison on weaving this particular discussion/topic into this absolutely brilliant storyline. I really do not think that it is written about enough in books when it comes to males so I am very pleased that you have as it really does need more highlighting and awareness about it. I know, I know, I am saying it needs more highlighting whilst not actually highlighting it myself but it really will spoil the storyline if I did so so you will just have to read this book yourself to find out!! I will say that something else that Alison discusses in this book is childhood neglect and being adopted and as that is not giving anything away I am happy to pre-warn readers about that. I normally discuss the storyline a bit more in my reviews than what I am going to in this book and that is because anything outside of what the publisher has already mentioned in the synopsis will give too much away and I refuse to put spoilers in my reviews as I just find them unnecessary as well as annoying for both reader and author!! The storyline itself is stunningly devastating and it had me on the edge of my seat throughout. It is such a powerful storyline that will stay with me for a long time if not forever!!!. It was filled with love, heartbreak, grief, family, neglect, forgiveness, healing, judging others and jut so, so much!! Alison really has put so much emotion and drama into this brilliant book that it kept me absolutely hooked throughout!! I was completely absorbed throughout. If you have ever read any books by Jo Jo Moyes, Nicholas Sparks and/or Jodi Picoult to name a few and enjoyed them then this book is definitely for you!! This book does involve two children who, again as you can read in the synopsis, are left on an ex partner's doorstep and as a Mum myself my heart really went out to those children with all the confusion they felt. I am a mum to three children myself and OMG I could not even begin to imagine what on Earth I would do in one of the character's position and I hope to God that I never have to find out!! However, Alison's powerful, emotive and evocative descriptions really does put you in Cora's place in the book and the emotions that were pouring out of the pages and into myself are unbelievable so make sure you have those tissues by your side ready and the rest of your day cleared!! I was absolutely dragged into this storyline and my heart was in my throat on several occasions and I just HAD to know what the truth was and why poor Evie and Ross were left. Alison really does have such a talented gift in being able to write these absolutely stunning stories that absolutely absorb the reader. Every time I cam to the end of a chapter and thought I could put it down I just couldn't stop thinking about what came next and would just have to pick it back up again. Alison always writes such thought provoking books and always leaves the reader questioning what they would do if they were in that position. Make sure you clear your schedules before turning a single page on this beautifully gorgeous tear jerking page turner!!! This book would make an absolutely stunning movie, as would all of Alison's amazing books and I would definitely be first in the queue to watch them!! An absolutely incredible author who tugs on my heart strings each and every single time I pick up one of her amazing and powerful books!!

An absolute roller coaster ride of emotions, make sure you have the tissues ready because you will need them!!!

The characters were well defined, realistic and strong. I cannot even begin to imagine the pain, shock, suffering, grief and challenges that some of the characters were going through, especially as a Mum myself. I absolutely loved Cora who was such a strong and passionate woman who constantly had Evie and Ross's best interests at heart and was determined to fight for their happiness no matter what it took. I am not sure how many women would do what she did and my heart completely went out to her for taking them in However it wasn't just Cora that was strong but also Evie and Ross themselves who were left at such young ages and already gone through so much in the short space of time the book tells us of. I am s pleased that Cora had her amazing best friend Aisha there to support her who I also absolutely adored as well as her ex father in law James by her side. James and Aisha were also large characters in this book and I just loved getting to know them both as well as Cora, Evie and Ross. Every one of these characters had their own unique individual personalities, flaws, strengths, hopes, wishes and weaknesses and I loved getting to know them all, well mostly all! My heart was completely broken reading their story but where there is rain always look out for the rainbow and watching the bond develop between these strong characters was beautiful to watch. I won't say more than that as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. This book absolutely grabbed my heart and mind and didn't let go while bringing tears to my eyes and I do not cry easily unless it comes to animals. So do make sure you have tissues at the ready!! Although this book brought me to tears I also think that it ended perfectly and would absolutely love to see this made into a film!!! Alison this is why your my go to author for a tear jerker and one of my favourite authors ever!!

Congratulations Alison on yet another gorgeous success and here's to your next one 🥂!!

Overall a devastatingly, heart-breaking and yet beautiful story that will stay in your mind for a long time!

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My Husband's Child by Alison Ragsdale is an emotional and heartwarming story about family not necessarily being your own flesh and blood but rather those you love and those who love you.

Cora has just gotten used to living on her own after her divorce from her husband Fraser. Fraser left Cora for another woman and ended up having two children with her. Cora's life changes when one day she opens the door to two children on her doorstep with no one else around. They are Fraser's children. Where are their parents and why have they been left for Cora to take care of? Unable to turn these kids away she enlists Fraser's father James to help her with the kids. Fast forward a year, Fraser returns wanting his children back. This sparks an ugly custody battle as Cora has loved and cared for these children like her own.

This was such an emotional story. I am an absolute sucker for a found family trope so I loved seeing Cora navigate her way through unexpected motherhood. I definitely felt deeply connected to Cora and loved all the emotions that this book made me feel! Definitely recommend this emotional family drama!

Thank you to NetGalley, Alison Ragsdale, and Bookouture for this ARC. Publication day was March 4th 2025.

I loved the beautiful Scottish setting and the character of Cora. It was an emotional family drama with a lot of heart and a story which I enjoyed.

This is the twelfth book I have read this year, and it is the first 5 star I have given as a review.

The book was a beautifully written story, about a woman who's ex-husband remarried, had children, then left the children on her doorstep one wintry night.

The characters were well established, with their backgrounds being built wonderfully throughout the book, giving glimpses of their upbringing. Empathy is shown throughout the novel, and it really tugs at your heart.

A fantastic book, and I highly recommend it.

My Husband’s Child by Alison Ragsdale is a story about how an ex wife decides to take care of of her husband’s children.. Emotional roller coaster. Good fast read

Cora has been living on her own for years after her divorce from her husband Fraser, who left her for another woman. Then one day she answers the door and finds two children waiting for her, with no one else in sight. They turn out to be Fraser's children, and their parents have vanished. Thrown into motherhood, Cora copes and then flourishes, helped by Fraser's father, James. Then after almost a year, the parents return, and a custody battle begins. And the sides that are lined up are different than one would expect.

This is a novel about surprises and life changes that seem hard at first, but turn out to be the best thing that ever happened. I love stories that emphasize family as those who love you, and not necessarily those who share the same blood, and this is definitely one of those. I enjoyed the growing bond between Cora and the children. I also liked the fact that Cora has hearing challenges, because that is something I experience as well, This is a heartwarming story about finding real family and coping with unexpected events.

I received a free copy of this book from Bookouture. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.