The beginning of the book is a bit slow. I guessed around 40% in where the story might be going. But this didn’t upset me. In fact, the opposite happened. I sat up straighter and tried to read faster. Was I going to be right? Where was this story really going to take me? I couldn’t wait to find out!
Catriona and James are desperate for children. After a grueling round of IVF treatments, Catriona finally becomes pregnant and delivers a baby boy, Sebastian. Diana and Liam, also desperate for children, are on a waiting list to receive an embryo. Sooner than expected, they are thrilled to discover one is available. Diana eventually gives birth to a boy, Noah.
The beginning of the book (the part I mentioned above that I found slow) was each couple’s journey through IVF and trying to have a baby. While it was interesting and well written, it went on a bit longer than necessary in my opinion. The story starts to pick up with Noah’s kidnapping. I was right about where the story was going (and I never guess right) but that didn’t ruin the book for me. The journey to the end was well written and gripping. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I don’t want to say much more about the story in order to avoid spoilers but I really enjoyed it. As a mother my heart broke for both women. Ms. Ortlepp does a good job of capturing their emotions. This book is well done and the ending satisfactory. In fact, I really liked the ending. It was perfect, in my opinion.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewer: Jennifer
Title: Claiming Noah
Author: Amanda Ortlepp
Release Date: July 5, 2016
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