My Stepmother's Secret: An incredibly powerful and heartbreaking story about a family dilemma

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Wow!!! Where to even begin?? Yet another stunning domestic drama from the extremely talented and absolutely wonderful Emma Robinson. Having read some of Robinson's previous works, I have to say that this is her greatest novel to date. She writes from the heart, but skillfully avoids sentimentality, crafting a story that mirrors the complexity of real life in all its thorniness and messiness.

Oh, my heart! What a wonderful, twisty, beautiful and heartbreaking book!… I love love loved it!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The simplest advice Martin has is “putting the marriage first is good for everyone”. If only it were that simple. The most I can say now after reading Stepmonster is that I’m not only sorry for myself and sorry for my daughter. I’m sorry for my wife, too. I suppose that’s progress, of a sort. Gabbie also has challenges of motherhood to her two daughter Olivia and Alice, But, she has to stay strong, to keep them safe and loved from the world around them. But, the only way she can do this is to return to one place, Gabbie hoped she would never return to, her family home!. With so many happy memories of the one place she once called home when her dad was alive. Sadly he died Her father left her the house but with one proviso. His second wife, Gabby's stepmother, was to be allowed to live there for as long as she wanted. Yet the act of trying to connect with a child who isn’t their own means the stepmother is likely to be rejected, time and time again – for acceptance represents to the child not only a betrayal of their biological mother, but also the denial of the stepmother’s attempt to be a substitute for that mother.

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I enjoyed a range of emotions as I read this book. There was intense anger and irritation at Gabbie's husband, frustration with Gabbie's elder daughter for being so unsupportive, sadness for the lost years caused by secrets. I also felt a sense of relief by the end of the book that the truth had been exposed and the layers of generational pain might finally be broken. Robinson's latest novel, My Stepmother's Secret, is an exceptional piece of writing that had me hooked from the start. I found myself completely invested in Gabbie and her family's story, unable to predict where the plot would take them. Robinson masterfully unpeels the story layer by layer, slowly revealing secrets and complexities that are true to real life. Gabbie has nowhere to turn but to her stepmother, Jill. Her mom and dad are gone, and even though they left her the house in the will, Jill can live there as long as she likes.

The book itself is written so well that it reads so smoothly from chapter to chapter with brilliant descriptions and settings perfect for the scene. It really dragged me deep into the story and I became completely invested until I came out the other end with tears streaming down my face. The title and synopsis fitted the storyline perfectly.This is my second book by the author, and Robinson explores the tough and messy side of families, relationships, and parenting— with a cast of well-developed characters. If you enjoy family sagas, the power of family and friendships, and the ties that bind, you will enjoy MY STEPMOTHER'S SECRET. Stars!!!!… I’m hooked… Excellent!… Reminds me of the writings of Jodi Picoult… I experienced every emotion that exists.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My experience as a reader was nothing short of complete immersion in the story and its characters. As Gabbie struggled with tough choices, I felt a range of emotions that truly pulled me in. What stood out to me the most was how Robinson handled sensitive and difficult topics, such as addiction and bullying, with both grace and sensitivity.

I start by saying that Emma Robinson is a very talented author and I cannot wait to dig into more of her books. She is definitely on par with several of my favourite authors including Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes and Nicholas Sparks which is why she is also one of my favourite authors!!! Gabbie finally realizes she must depend on others for help. Highly charged topics from addiction, bullying, infidelity, affairs, family secrets, marriage, relationships, self-awareness, and second chances. Robinson's writing style is nothing short of captivating, as she teases out the story layer by layer, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. I found myself invested in Gabbie's dilemma, unsure of which way I wanted the story to go. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, and I couldn't put the book down. This novel consists of 41 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case! If you are looking for a well written,unforgettable, heartbreaking,emotional, beautiful story then you should definitely read this one.Robinson examines the role addiction, infidelity, divorce and secrets play in our lives and reveals the joy in second chances, forgiveness and learning to rely on others for help. This emotionally charged and thought-provoking book, centered around family secrets and bonds, is one that you’ll remember for quite some time. The parent,” says Martin, “feels attached to, pulled by, nourished by and connected to the same child as the step-parent feels rejected by, ignored by, jealous of, competitive with and exhausted by.” Gabbie is married to Liam, and they have two daughters, Olivia and Alice. Unfortunately, her hubby has been keeping secrets with a bad gambling problem. How will she tell her daughters and where will they live? She has a lot of decisions to make.