SHEILA NORTON
BOOK REVIEWS
While none of us can hope to please everybody, we writers like to find out whether our stories are pleasing the majority - and that's where reviews come in. I'm grateful for all reviews, those from my readers as much as those by professional reviewers. Whether they absolutely love a book, or just want to make helpful comments, it's all good feedback.
But here, as you'd expect, I'm showcasing just a few of the best ones from my most recent novels.
If I LOST YOU
5.0 out of 5 stars Emotional & Gripping
Heart wrenching, emotional, gripping page turner!
"If I Lost You" is about Jo, Ben and their 2 kids. Jo was adopted at a young age and finally meets her birth mother, but what are her intentions? George, Jo and Ben's son, has asthma but is it really just asthma or is Jo over thinking things? No one seems to believe her worries except for her birth mother, but does her birth mother have an ulterior motive?
I couldn't put this book down, it had from the first chapter and the ending is phenomenal.
NOT YOUR CHILD
***** ENTHRALLING This is one of the most enjoyable books I have read. From the first chapter, I was hooked. I loved the format of the chapters written by one main character, then the other. It was an intriguing, thought provoking and emotional read. Thoroughly gripping to the end.
***** The first thing I have got to say that if you are a fan of books by Jodi Picoult and Nicholas Sparks then I wouldn't bother reading any further because if you love them you will definitely love this stunning book that will pull at your heart strings and bring you out in tears!! This is an absolutely fantastically written book by the very talented Sheila! I am just mind blown that I have never read any books by this incredible author before now and am just so glad I have now rectified this! What an absolutely incredibly talented author you are Sheila and as soon as I have finished this review I am going to go straight to Amazon and add every single one of your other books to my wish list and get stuck straight into one as soon as I can!! Overall an addictive rollercoaster ride of emotions that will keep you turning the pages and will leave you thinking about long after you have finished . . . Clear your schedules and get the tissues ready as you wont be able to put this down!! Well done Sheila on an absolutely gorgeous emotional page turner and here's to your next success!! This is the exact reason that i would like to welcome you to my favourite authors club!
***** Not Your Child was so emotional, heartwarming, heartbreaking and swept me along with its twists. every word was perfectly chosen to make an impact. Poppy is so cute and well created.
The alternating chapters were a great idea for structure. Gemma’s were the longest. Crystal's ones were shorter, but no less powerful. Both women have difficult pasts. This book is unforgettable and the story will stay with me for a long time.
A GOOD ENOUGH MOTHER
5.0 out of 5 stars A heart-breaking story of family bonds!Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 March 2025‘If I Lost You’ is a compelling story of a mother, the bond she has with her children and with her birth mother. It’s well-written, heart-breaking at times, and made me contemplate what I’d do should I be in the same unfortunate position as Jo. The character descriptions are excellent, especially as Jo and Ben’s relationship comes under attack, and her birth mother Barbara constantly makes demands while becoming more manipulative and spiteful if Jo doesn’t do what she wants. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading this thought-provoking novel that has a shocking final conclusion that had my heart thumping and made me read faster and faster, unable to stop until I’d reached the end. It deserves a huge five stars which I’m happy to give!
‘A breathtaking novel about motherhood… I felt angst, tension, compassion, empathy, surprise and suspicion…. Do not miss this novel, especially if you enjoy reading about families and their realistic struggles and moments of joy…. Grabbed my heart… Phenomenally emotive.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A masterpiece story of a family finding their way… Hit all the feels for me and I was invested in the story from the beginning to the brilliant end. My emotions ran wild throughout this story and I would love to see this become a Netflix hit.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A remarkable tale depicting a family's journey through the complexities of emotional challenges. Norton's storytelling kept engrossed me from start to finish, leaving a lasting impact… Truly captivating.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐