By: Emma Robinson
ISBN: 9781836180357
Dreamscape Media
Narrator: TBA 03/04/2025
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: 02/28/2025
Format: Other
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC)
“Mollie’s missing.” As I look at my husband, I struggle to take in his words. For years, I’ve been so focussed on our son, who needed me to care for him. I’ve sacrificed so much to make him feel safe. But have I put my own daughter’s life in danger?
When we discovered we were having twins, a boy and a girl, I couldn’t believe our luck. Within months we would have the perfect family we’d always dreamed of.
The first few years were so happy. Our house was chaotic but full of love just as it should be. But as the years passed, we had to acknowledge that our son Ben needed a lot more support than Mollie. I had no choice but to put his needs first. I wanted him to have the best life possible. But it came at a devastating cost.
Now, Mollie is missing. Clasping my husband’s hands for the first time in years, we start to piece together any reason for why she disappeared. Mollie was a straight-A student, a perfect daughter, a loyal friend. As my husband looks at me in fear, I’m forced to confront a truth I have spent years trying to hide.
They say it is impossible to choose a favourite child. But years ago, during a house fire I had to do just that. I had to push one child to safety ahead of the other. I chose my son. Now I’m forced to question whether my dear daughter has always remembered what I did. Am I the real reason she disappeared? And will I ever see her again?
An absolutely unputdownable and tear-jerking read about the strength of a mother’s love. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Kate Hewitt and Diane Chamberlain.
My Review
Emma Robinson, a master storyteller known for her compelling soulful family dramas, returns with her latest emotional and gripping narrative, THE FAVOURITE CHILD, a must-read for her fans.
A mother, torn by guilt and facing every parent's nightmare, is forced to make a heart-wrenching decision: to save her son over her daughter. Years later, her daughter is missing, and the consequences of her choice haunt her.
About...
Erica and Andrew have twins. A boy. Ben and a girl, Mollie. However, Ben requires more attention due to his Autism and special needs. This puts a strain on the marriage and their family.
Andrews is a cop, and one night, while at work, there is a fire at the house. Erica is trying to get both the twins to safety and makes a split decision to help Ben first.
Five years later, they have moved to a different house closer to Ben's school, but Mollie is resentful and, being the typical teen, starts getting into all sorts of trouble acting out.
Then she goes missing.
Erica starts feeling guilty and questioning all the decisions she has made. She feels she has not given enough attention to her daughter, but she is pulled thin from being the primary caregiver for her son. Mollie is not open or shares her feelings, acting out.
Will this family, torn apart by their past, find a way to heal and reunite?
My thoughts...
THE FAVOURITE CHILD is a compelling and intricate story of a family wrestling with a myriad of complex issues. Life is hard, and as parents, we constantly question our decisions when it comes to our kids. Teens especially do not think of parents and others and tend to be self-centered.
The author compassionately navigates these emotionally charged topics, delivering a cautionary tale that silence is not always the best policy. Honesty and openness are always the better choice, even though some shy away from expressing their true feelings.
Motherhood and parenting are not easy, especially when accused of favoritism between siblings, especially when one has unique needs.
The character-driven story explores how decisions by one can have catastrophic effects on the remainder of the family. It is a moving story of a mother's love to protect her children as best she can.
Compelling, engaging, honest, and deeply compassionate with relatable characters.
Recs...
The Favourite Child is for fans of the author and those who enjoy complex family dramas, motherhood, and works by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen, Suzanne Redfearn, and Diane Chamberlain.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a digital advanced review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Feb 28, 2025
About the Author
Emma Robinson is a USA Today Bestseller with a passion for stories which explore the power of family and friendship in the most challenging circumstances. Whilst her early novels are humorous; her recent work focuses on emotional themes and these novels are both heart-breaking and life affirming.
Emma currently lives in Essex, England with a husband, two children and a small black dog.
Website: www.emmarobinsonwrites.com
Facebook: facebook.com/motherhoodforslackers
Twitter: @emmarobinsonuk
Instagram: emmarobinsonuk
