Margo’s husband has just died. Cassie’s husband has walked out on her. These two women’s lives are then further thrown into turmoil as they discover their daughters are not theirs, that they were mixed up at birth…
My Only Daughter is a hugely emotional book with a massive dilemma.
Two families are already in crisis when things get even worse. The ‘what if’ situation makes us consider how we would react in the same circumstances. I cannot even imagine the shock and pain of discovering that your child isn’t actually yours. As a mother, my focus was on how the mothers felt but the girls’ confusion and fear must be as great.
Is biology stronger or more important that the love given to the ‘wrong’ child? The nature versus nurture debate is discussed in the book and I found it very thought-provoking. I felt that the behaviour and reactions of the mothers was very authentic and represented the confusion, panic and heartbreak effectively.
The book is written in the third person from the alternating viewpoints of Cassie and Margo which allows the reader a little distance from the intensity of emotion. The writing style is easy to read and allows the reader to be completely engaged with the plot.
My Only Daughter is a fascinating insight into a heartbreaking scenario.
My Only Daughter: A gripping and emotional tale of a mother’s love by Ann O’Loughlin
‘I love you, and you are my daughter, no matter what anyone says. Nobody can take you from me.’
In beautiful Rathmoney House nestled by the wild Irish Sea, Margo sits in her black suit, three strings of pearls at her neck, nodding at those offering their condolences. She never thought she would be here without her beloved husband. All she has left is their beautiful daughter Elsa and a house full of memories. Then, she receives a letter that turns everything she thought she knew on its head…
When Margo learns that her daughter was accidentally switched at birth with an American child and Elsa is not in fact her biological daughter, her world shatters. American Cassie and her daughter Tilly are equally shocked to learn about this tragic mistake, and both parents are terrified about the prospect of their daughters being taken away.
Margo and Cassie know that together they must protect their daughters, both biological and not. Cassie and Tilly fly to Ireland, and with the help of the local community they must learn to support each other through the most difficult times.
Will they be able to find a new version of family, or will the shocking revelation force them apart forever?
Previously published as My Mother’s Daughter
An absolutely glorious and emotional read that celebrates the power of female friendship. Perfect for fans of Susanne O’Leary, Cathy Kelly and Kathleen McGurl.
Ann is the Irish author of five novels and has been translated into eleven languages. Her first novel The Ballroom Cafe was also an ebook bestseller and in the top 20 bestselling books of 2015 on Amazon UK. Ann loves to write and often gets up at 5am to get the words down, before starting her other job of writing as a news reporter. A leading journalist in Ireland, Ann has covered all major news events in a long career with Independent Newspapers, Ireland. She is now a senior journalist with the Irish Examiner specialising in legal issues. Ann has also lived in India. Originally from the west of Ireland she now lives on the east coast with her husband and family.
