It got me! Having read several of Craven's previous books I should have known the emotional turmoil it would put me through...she's good like that!

And if that's not enough, throw in the secrets and lies, and you've a story that's very hard to put down. It had me engaged from beginning to end.

I found it moderately paced with several unexpected twists along the way, with a cast of great characters who brought a sense of realism to the plot.

I enjoyed it.

What an emotional read this was . Secrets and lies made this a thought provoking family story . Definitely a book I would recommend
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest review

An emotional family story. A revealed secret brings trouble and heartache between al members of a family.
I didn't like most of the characters but the storyline was interesting.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this story.

When Violet was 16 she got pregnant and was forced by her parents m especially her mother m to give her baby to her older sister who and been trying for years to get pregnant, and told to forget about it and go on as if nothing had happened. Except all their lives, she is close to her “niece” but can’t shake the feeling that she wants her back. Now it’s 16 years later and she is married pregnant again and the feeling is even stronger now and despite all the secrecy in her family she is ready to open it all up even if it means tearing her family apart and losing everything if she gets her daughter back. But in doing so, some other family secrets come to light and help her understand where her mother was coming from. It doesn’t justify it by any means, but it makes Violet (and the reader) comprehend why the mother was 5e way she was-at least to some degree.
This is marked as a thriller but u would say it’s more a family drama. It definitely keeps you turning the pages to see how it will turn out.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘She Was Never Yours To Take’ written by Jen Craven in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Violet was sixteen when she became pregnant and the decision to hand over her baby girl Carley to her childless sister Corinne and her husband Jonah was taken out of her hands by their mother Lois who said it was the right thing to do. Now, sixteen years later, Violet says she’s going to tell Carley she’s her real mother but risks splitting her family apart.

‘She Was Never Yours To Take’ is a thought-provoking family drama where a secret has been kept for sixteen years and about to be revealed, with the possibility of destroying more than just one family. It’s a wonderful story that’s kept me involved with the characters who make snap decisions, and while not all of them are a good idea they seem to be at the time. As always, Jen Craven has written an emotional and thoroughly enjoyable novel that’s had me involved from page one with the pages turning ever faster until I reached the conclusion where I was pleased that a logical and fair decision had been made.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of She Was Never Yours to Take by Jen Craven. This was my second book by this author and she did not disappoint. There were lots of secrets and lies in this one. It grabbed me from the start and I was hooked. It’s well worth taking a chance on the book. I gave it a 4 star rating. #Bookouture #Jencraven

This book pulled my emotions in all different directions, from anger to compassion and everything in between.
All the circumstances Craven wrote about are followed up by very realistic reactions and sentiments.
Although Violet implodes everything it was necessary because a boil can’t heal without being excised.
I thought Lois was just micro managerial and I cheered when she finally got push back, even after her secrets were unearthed.
The book demonstrates powerful lessons about secrets, families, and healing.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'She Was Never Yours To Take' by Jen Craven

Happy publication day Jen Craven!!

WOW!!!! What can I say?!?! What an absolutely brilliant book that I fell in love with!!! I am looking forward to reading more books by this talented author! Well done Jen Craven!! How on Earth have I never read any of your books before? This may be the first book I have read by this author but it most definitely will not be my last!! This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions creating the perfect atmosphere for the storyline. The book cover and synopsis works perfectly with the book plot and I am most definitely looking forward to reading more books by this incredible author,

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.

What an emotional and gripping page turner this was!! 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, emotional, beautiful 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, courage, grief, family, strength, acceptance, secrets, healing and just so, so much!! Jen really has put so much emotion and drama into this brilliant book that it kept me absolutely hooked throughout!! She has done a brilliant job of weaving the storyline through the multiple protagonist perspectives of both sisters Violet and Corinne ensuring the reader can see, feel and hear everything that both sisters are feeling about what is going on and enabling us to see it from both sides. My heart absolutely went out to Violet and it must be absolutely awful to be in that situation. What I really liked about this book is the realism of the storyline as I can imagine several women have been in very similar situations themselves when they were younger. I was completely absorbed throughout. If you have ever read any books by Jo Jo Moyes, Alison Ragsdale, Emma Thomas, Nicholas Sparks and/or Jodi Picoult to name a few and enjoyed them then this book is definitely for you!! Jen's powerful, emotive and evocative descriptions really does put you in Violet and Corinne'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 was going to happen in the end. Every time I came 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. 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 and I would definitely be first in the queue to watch it!!

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 and each one had their own unique individual personalities, flaws, strengths, hopes, wishes and weaknesses and I loved getting to know them all! My heart was completely broken reading their story. 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!!

Congratulations Jen on a gorgeous success and here's to your next one 🥂!!

Overall a gripping, emotional and addictive family drama that will keep you hooked

#SheWasNeverYoursToTake #JenCraven #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous

@JenCraven@Bookouture @BookoutureAnonymous


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This was a very gripping family drama, with my only relatively minor criticism being that a couple of the characters were a little flat, particularly the "matriarch" who was portrayed a bit more evil than she needed to be. Essentially, one sister became pregnant young and the other sister had trouble bearing trouble, so the mother engineered for the baby to be given to the older sister. This was an obvious recipe for disaster, the trouble taking place so many years later that time just made the situation even worse. The mother was also made out to be really awful in other ways and I think it would have made for more complexity if she wasn't quite so dreadful. It turned out that there was reason for why she acted the way she did but that was revealed so close to the end that it did not really do much to redeem her. In addition, that reason was not necessarily so believable, to me. Nonetheless, it was a good fast read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

She Was Never Yours to Take by Jen Craven was a very interesting story that kept me guessing until the very end.
Twisty gripping and emotional. The characters were believable and their story was very interesting.
This book was suspenseful and entertaining, it was written well and the author was very good at ensuring there were multiple cliffhangers throughout the book.
This book was well written and it was actually emotionally read.

"She Was Never Yours to Take" by Jen Craven is a deeply emotional and heart-wrenching family drama centred around a gripping secret. This story revolves around impossible choices, where someone will inevitably be hurt, regardless of the outcome.

The narrative explores the complex dynamics of motherhood and sisterhood, highlighting the devastating impact of lies. The emotional tension is a crucial aspect of the reading experience, as you feel the burden of Violet's secret and the pain it has caused. It truly is a "page-turner" that evokes strong feelings, particularly regarding the character of Lois, who exerts control over everything without considering anyone's feelings or emotions; for her, appearances are all that matter.

When 16-year-old Violet becomes pregnant, her mother, Lois, believes that a teenage pregnancy would tarnish the family's reputation. As a result, Violet is compelled to give her baby girl to her sister Corinne, who will raise her as if she were her own.

Years later, Violet and her husband, Reid, are expecting a baby. Instead of happiness, Violet finds herself grappling with her emotions surrounding her daughter, Carley, who lives next door. Violet wants to tell Carley the truth, but Corinne is against it. This disagreement strains the relationship between the two sisters. How can Violet decide what is the best course of action when it seems that, no matter what she chooses, someone’s emotions and feelings will be hurt?

I loved how the author introduces both sisters, allowing us to understand them from a deeply emotional perspective. As a result, you empathise with both of them, making it impossible to decide what you would do if you were in this situation.

Bestselling author Jen Craven captivates readers once again with her poignant novel, SHE WAS NEVER YOURS TO TAKE.

This heart-wrenching and compelling tale delves into the complexities of motherhood through the eyes of a young mother who was tragically compelled to surrender her baby. Now, years later, she grapples with the lingering shadows of her past, as the truth she has kept hidden threatens to unravel the delicate fabric of her family.

As emotions collide and memories resurface, she faces the harrowing choice of revealing the truth that has haunted her for so long, risking everything she has built in the pursuit of redemption and healing.

About...

At the tender age of sixteen, Violet finds herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions, feeling the weight of an unexpected pregnancy bearing down on her youthful shoulders. Young and filled with trepidation, she grapples with a future that suddenly seems daunting and uncertain. Her mother, keen on preserving the family’s reputation and desperate to avoid any scandal, forces a life-altering decision on Violet: to relinquish her newborn to her elder sister, Corrine. For years, Corrine has faced the heartache of infertility, her dreams of motherhood slipping further away with each passing year.

Now, sixteen years later, Violet stands on the brink of her own journey into motherhood, blissfully married and expecting a child of her own. Yet, the burden of silence weighs heavily on her heart. As she watches Corrine lovingly raise her daughter, Carley, Violet realizes that the truth must be unveiled. The secret she has harbored all these years is a chasm between her and the family she loves.

Compelled by a mixture of anxiety and resolve, Violet knows she must sit down with her daughter, Carley, and share the profound truth of her origins, no matter the potential fallout. With courage swelling within her, she prepares to dismantle the facade that has sheltered them all.

What will unfold when the truth finally surfaces, and how will it redefine the tapestry of their family connections?

My thoughts...

Jen Craven masterfully navigates the intricate maze of challenging family struggles and tough decisions, approaching each situation with a deep sense of compassion and sensitivity.

SHE WAS NEVER YOURS TO TAKE is a poignant yet captivating blend of coming-of-age themes, rich family dynamics, the intricacies of motherhood, the bonds between sisters, and an undercurrent of domestic suspense.

Readers will find themselves utterly engrossed, eager to unravel the complexities of this emotional tapestry and discover how these intertwined lives will ultimately find resolution for a satisfying conclusion.

This novel weaves a complex narrative that delves into the depths of human relationships and motherhood, exploring themes of love, loss, and the moral dilemmas that bind us. It's a compelling journey that promises to resonate with anyone who appreciates thought-provoking fiction laden with rich character development and poignant twists.

Recs...

SHE WAS NEVER YOURS TO TAKE is a captivating read crafted for devoted fans of the author, as well as those who are drawn to the intricacies of emotional storytelling found in the works of Diane Chamberlain, Emma Robinson, and Jodi Picoult.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing a digital advanced review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Sept 15, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
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Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC of She Was Never Yours to Begin With for my honest review.
This was a good story of a family with secrets that can explode when exposed. Weighing out when truth is more important than consequences. And when you flow through it Jen Craven throws in a twist!

I was given a free copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am only giving four stars due to the predictability of this book. It was not very suspenseful.

Even though Violet has been married to Reid for seven years, she is hiding a huge secret from him.

Now she is pregnant with their first child, Violet is struggling to keep her secret. This isn’t her first pregnancy, when she was only sixteen-years-old, Violet gave birth to a baby girl. The baby girl has been brought up by her sister and her husband, as they couldn’t have children. Violet’s mother dealt with everything, she is not someone to be messed with.

As Violet’s pregnancy progresses, she’s finding it harder to keep quiet. She’s not thinking of the possible fallout from all sides.

Can this family survive the many secrets spilled?

My goodness, this is a story that hits, and hits hard! It is a tale of secrets and lies, those who should be there for you and protecting you, whose thoughts are only for themselves.

Being a sixteen-year-old child is tough enough, without the added pressure of finding out you’re pregnant. The author writes sensitively and protectively of Violet.

I felt so strongly for Violet, but also for her sister and Violet’s “niece.” I felt for Reid too, to be married and find out years later that you’ve been kept in the dark, is awful.

The story tugged at my heart, and I spent the whole book rooting for Violet. She is a strong but sensitive character, who needed a voice.

This is my first book by the author and it exceeded all my expectations.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

She Was Never Yours to Take by Jen Craven was a fantastic read! This was my first book by her, and I was hooked by her engaging writing style. The story pulled me in, and I’m already excited to dive into more of her work! Lies, secrets, deception … a little bit of everything that I could not put the book down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published September 15, 2025.

thank you netgalley and the publishers for letting me read an early copy of this book! it was really good, captivating right from the start. it hooked me right away, it did feel a bit slow and repetitive in the middle, but it picked right back up with the twist and reading about family secrets was fun.

She Was Never Yours To Take by Jen Craven is an emotional and compelling story that pulled me in from the very first page. The way the author explored family secrets, sacrifice, and the complexity of motherhood was powerful and deeply moving. I found myself fully invested in the characters and their struggles, and the emotional tension kept me turning the pages quickly. This was a beautifully written and unforgettable book, and I gave it five stars without hesitation.

First time reading Jen Craven and it did not disappoint. I was gripped from the first page.

This story is a family saga, relationships between family members built on secrets and lies.

Voilet is pregnant and this pregnancy has brought up a secret that happened 16 years ago. When she was 16, she had a baby and a decision was made out of her hands, that the baby was to be raised by her sister Corinne.

When the secret is exposed, it has drastic, emotional consequences and you can’t help but feel for all members of the family.

I could not put this down, fantastic read, 5 stars from me

somewhere is my heart in a mess. it ran away to cry and take some space as this book just took it through the ringer! haha i jest obviously but boy this book took me to all the places a book like this needs to go. and i was here for it every single step, page, moment. i snaffled this book up in no time at all. from the moment i read the blurb i was waiting for it to be on my next to read reach. and when it came. whoopie. it was fab.
this book bring us to Violet. she gave up a baby when she was younger.. she was a teenager and no one helped her figure out what to do. her family, her supporters were not supporting in the way this young girl should have got. oh no her mother(ugh don't get me started) has another way of finding a solution for her daughters problem. it wasn't a choice Violet wanted to make but she didn't get a choice. her baby was taken and was raised by her sister.
Violet is now older, shes now pregnant once again this time with her husbands child.
its bring all feeling and emotions bubbling and needing to explode out of her. she has so much she needs to let out. but can she possibly do this or must she find a way to dam it down once more. keep it to herself. keep it in. will she decide different this time, especially when faced with the mother. is she even strong enough to do that.
i felt so bad for Violet. what a confusing and terrible place to find herself in with no support, no care and worse than that what happened next. and she could never have stopped it. ouch.
her older self? oh it must have been so hard. she has so much obvious pain. and yet there is a family there, a daughter, lives that will change possibly for the worst forever. her first daughter is innocent right. so how can Violet just steamroll to the exposing of the truth? but i get it, how can she not.oh it was so heartbreaking. being still under that mother was also awful. you can grow up but it doesn't mean you can grow away or strong against such forces especially when its against someone like your mum.
when could be the right decision to ever share this truth? i don't think it can. there can be no winners. it felt impossible for Violet to live with. but also impossible for her to share this without knowing it was going to destroy lives. because it will. even if they don't actually explode they will be changed. every single part of these people changed. and that feels awful.
i could not put this book down. it gripped me. haunted me and made me feel EVERYTHING throughout. i was tossing and turning for each of them. i was wanting somehow for there to be an ending that meant i wasn't crying sad tears. but i also all the way through never thought this could possibly happen. but Jen gave me one hell of a read and wow wow wow did i love it.
beginning to end it was clever, compelling and captivating. and it held tight from start to finish.
just superb.