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Women of Hope #5
Firstborn
Erika's worst fear is realized when her well-kept secret shows up on her doorstep. As she reaches out to the daughter she gave up for adoption 21 years ago, her husband pulls away, leaving Erika with an impossible choice. This emotionally gripping story will touch and challenge readers.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2002
848 people are currently reading
1243 people want to read
About the author
Robin Lee Hatcher
121 books3,253 followersRobin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 95 novels and novellas with more than five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, Christy Award, Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award, and she is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
September 9, 2020
Take My Hand
I wasn't ready for this story to end. It was one of the most honest looks inside the flaws and disappointments within a marriage that I have ever read. Superior writing. A timeless message of truth laden with encouragement from the scriptures.
I wasn't ready for this story to end. It was one of the most honest looks inside the flaws and disappointments within a marriage that I have ever read. Superior writing. A timeless message of truth laden with encouragement from the scriptures.
June 8, 2019
Past sins don’t stay secret
Wow! In this story, we can see what happens when we make bad choices. God forgives and changes us, but it is not always easy for others to forgive us. Thank God that He gives us the strength to forgive our loved ones even when they have hurt us very badly. This story is a great example of what happens. Very well done!
Wow! In this story, we can see what happens when we make bad choices. God forgives and changes us, but it is not always easy for others to forgive us. Thank God that He gives us the strength to forgive our loved ones even when they have hurt us very badly. This story is a great example of what happens. Very well done!
June 4, 2016
A good story...but too pat of an ending.
September 4, 2020
An emotional rollercoaster...
This was my first Robin Lee Hatcher novel, and I loved it! Emotional, raw, compelling read. I stayed up until 3:30am to finish it. 🙊🙈😂
The mess of the situation, the reaction of the characters. A great reminder that nothing stays hidden forever, and forgiveness is EVERYTHING. Without it, there would be no salvation.
Bravo!
This was my first Robin Lee Hatcher novel, and I loved it! Emotional, raw, compelling read. I stayed up until 3:30am to finish it. 🙊🙈😂
The mess of the situation, the reaction of the characters. A great reminder that nothing stays hidden forever, and forgiveness is EVERYTHING. Without it, there would be no salvation.
Bravo!
September 6, 2020
Heartwarming and Inspirational
A wonderful story of love , heartbreak and forgiveness reminding us that God is always with us as believers if we remember to turn to him.
A wonderful story of love , heartbreak and forgiveness reminding us that God is always with us as believers if we remember to turn to him.
July 9, 2024
So nice to read a good story that I could hardly put down.
Definitely a Christian romance and I loved it
Definitely a Christian romance and I loved it
June 14, 2025
This is the best book! It talks about God‘s grace and how it is sufficient. It talks about a man and woman that are high school sweethearts. How they think each other are perfect and they have lost each other because of that. Without giving too much away about the book, it is a must read. This author is so good one minute you’re crying next minute you’re mad she brings out every bit of emotion from you in this book. This is the best Christian book I have ever read! I am definitely reading more of her books.
July 30, 2013
this book was ok, and as much as i usually like Robin Lee Hatcher's books... this one just escalated too quickly for my tastes. the husband finds out a shocking secret about his wife and best friend (if the title doesn't give it away, i don't know what will) and the next thing you know he wants a divorce. there was no building up to this moment, that was his instantaneous reaction, and from there it just kind of builds and gets worse, until the somewhat happy ending. however, kudos for a decently happy ending. except for the best friend... his wife wasn't too happy about the secret either.
March 20, 2017
I felt there was a lot more positive things the author could have done with the topic. I personally (strongly) disagreed with the characters' take on it all at the end which made me dislike the quick, trite ending even more. There was never an explanation as to why Steven never bothered to call or write to Erika for the four years he was in college, but her "cheating" duringthat time was still viewed as a "mistake". It all seemed awfully judgy, and OF COURSE the one character that is never religious is the biggest bad guy of all. Meh, I guess Christian Lit isn't for me!
June 26, 2015
This book was the second I have read from this author, and it was just ok. It was too predictable to become engrossed in, but it had a few touching moments and a beautiful message.
November 24, 2015
SO predictable. SO preachy. I read just enough to know, it was going to be painful to finish this one....
December 30, 2017
Good story about tough decisions and forgiveness. I listened via the RB app, and didn't care for the narrator at all.
June 25, 2021
Erika's worst fear is realized when her well-kept secret shows up on her doorstep. As she reaches out to the daughter she gave up for adoption 21 years ago, her husband pulls away, leaving Erika with an impossible choice. This emotionally gripping story will touch and challenge readers.
I LOVED this book. It held my attention from the very first page and it was difficult to put down., I did become emotional a bit throughout the story.... I thought that it was a very timely book due to all the DNA testing that is happening now and the probability of this happening to someone is very high.
I was mainly following the main character, Kirsten, the girl that was adopted and was looking for her birth family, specifically her father. I just went thru a somewhat similar situation and it's a very emotional journey and it took me on a rollercoaster ride for the past year, but I found a new sister and we are building a beautiful relationship which I am so thankful for, so I was really rooting for Kirsten.
I do not agree with some reviews that this book was predictable, it did leave you wondering what was going to happen, if Kirsten's bio family would see her or not, of course, it's a book and the story did have a happy ending, however, I do wish it had gone a bit further, I would have loved to have seen another book carrying the storyline further about Kirsten and her life with Dallas and her new brother.
All in all, I highly recommend this book. It's a beautiful story of what people can go thru when a child is given up for adoption and how fragile marriages or the family dynamic can become when a secret is uncovered and the truth is discovered, or as can happen in real life, they get a surprise DNA result that was not expected. (there was nothing about DNA in this book, but it's still a very similar real life situation that can occur and has been happening due to all the current interest in DNA testing)
I LOVED this book. It held my attention from the very first page and it was difficult to put down., I did become emotional a bit throughout the story.... I thought that it was a very timely book due to all the DNA testing that is happening now and the probability of this happening to someone is very high.
I was mainly following the main character, Kirsten, the girl that was adopted and was looking for her birth family, specifically her father. I just went thru a somewhat similar situation and it's a very emotional journey and it took me on a rollercoaster ride for the past year, but I found a new sister and we are building a beautiful relationship which I am so thankful for, so I was really rooting for Kirsten.
I do not agree with some reviews that this book was predictable, it did leave you wondering what was going to happen, if Kirsten's bio family would see her or not, of course, it's a book and the story did have a happy ending, however, I do wish it had gone a bit further, I would have loved to have seen another book carrying the storyline further about Kirsten and her life with Dallas and her new brother.
All in all, I highly recommend this book. It's a beautiful story of what people can go thru when a child is given up for adoption and how fragile marriages or the family dynamic can become when a secret is uncovered and the truth is discovered, or as can happen in real life, they get a surprise DNA result that was not expected. (there was nothing about DNA in this book, but it's still a very similar real life situation that can occur and has been happening due to all the current interest in DNA testing)
December 1, 2024
Not her best
This book was OK but I thought it was quite messy! It’s just didn’t make sense to me, having read other books like this and seen movies and true life stories of secret children from the past turning up. Usually, there’s a set meeting, and then some getting to know you times, whilst the past is revealed to the family. Then family meetings etc and it’s usually a good coming together to welcome the new sibling! But right from day one Erika invited her long lost daughter Kirsten into the house, then tells her husband who does not receive it well, especially since the father was his best friend from boyhood, yet she continues to invite Kirsten to family dinners etc. causing Steven to leave. Now to be fair Steven was quite unreasonable, since he had gone off to college at the time and had not said he loved Erika or asked her to wait for him, and he was sporadic in contacting her! The whole situation was, well, messy, and fairly far fetched. However as it was a Christian book, Steven did realize he was being very unforgiving and unchristian and got himself right with God! Maybe that was the point of the story but it went about it strangely I thought.
This book was OK but I thought it was quite messy! It’s just didn’t make sense to me, having read other books like this and seen movies and true life stories of secret children from the past turning up. Usually, there’s a set meeting, and then some getting to know you times, whilst the past is revealed to the family. Then family meetings etc and it’s usually a good coming together to welcome the new sibling! But right from day one Erika invited her long lost daughter Kirsten into the house, then tells her husband who does not receive it well, especially since the father was his best friend from boyhood, yet she continues to invite Kirsten to family dinners etc. causing Steven to leave. Now to be fair Steven was quite unreasonable, since he had gone off to college at the time and had not said he loved Erika or asked her to wait for him, and he was sporadic in contacting her! The whole situation was, well, messy, and fairly far fetched. However as it was a Christian book, Steven did realize he was being very unforgiving and unchristian and got himself right with God! Maybe that was the point of the story but it went about it strangely I thought.
September 10, 2020
Very thought provoking subject. I wonder how I would have reacted if I were Steven and Paula to find out that 18 years ago their spouses made a child together but Erika gave the baby up for adoption and Dallas did not know he had a daughter. And extra hard now because Steven and Erika and Dallas and Paula are good friends with each other. Steven has a hard time dealing with his feelings about his best friend from high school getting his wife pregnant. So when Kristen all of a sudden moves to Boise for a job and makes contact wanting to know her birth parents, it upsets the apple cart big time. I'm sure turning to God as a means to deal with forgiving everyone is the only way to truly get past the initial hurt. Steven did that for Erika. Dallas came to know God but Paula was having an affair on him so their marriage did not survive. Dallas took responsibility for Kirsten though and wanted to be part of her life - to learn how to be a dad. What an emotional rollercoaster for everyone involved.
September 9, 2020
It was a good story, mostly? I had a little problem with how close the families were and how much they didn't know about each other. Dallas's wife sounded nasty...they've been close friends for all those years and just now discovering that? The ending was way too short and abrupt...what happens to Kirsten's mom? How does Kirsten get to know her new families better? Basically, the story advocated telling the truth but Kirsten has told them almost nothing about her family growing up poor. It's a major cultural change for her - moving from Philadelphia, but little is said about that...it's all about Stephen, and he wasn't even directly involved. Basically, it is a story about an adopted child seeking family but it turns into a story about unforgiveness... I love stories by this author and was a little disappointed in this one...lots of potential but not fleshed out as well as she normally does.
July 12, 2017
Secrets have a way of coming to light, bringing pain, distrust, and disillusionment for all involved. But God is in the business of redemption, and He does not leave us to deal with the aftermath on our own. He gives us the strength to confront all our fears and lay them at the foot of the cross in surrender. He brings beauty from ashes and joy from pain.
“And we know that God causes all things work together for good to those who love God…” - Romans 8:28
“... He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners...to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” - Isaiah 61:1-3
“And we know that God causes all things work together for good to those who love God…” - Romans 8:28
“... He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners...to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” - Isaiah 61:1-3
June 23, 2024
Heart warming and heart twisting at the same time.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were a couple of errors the editor should have caught, though they were not so bad I couldn't read past them.
As someone who for a long time thought their sins were too great for God to forgive, I can identify with Steven's lacu of understanding of His grace. I can also relate to being mad at God for the circumstances you find yourself in. We have to remember that our battles are not against flesh but in the spiritual against powers and principalities.
This is a beautiful story about our Lord's unending love and unfathomable understanding and how He can take any situation, any circumstances and turn them for good, turn them for His glory.
I can't wait to read more books by Robin.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were a couple of errors the editor should have caught, though they were not so bad I couldn't read past them.
As someone who for a long time thought their sins were too great for God to forgive, I can identify with Steven's lacu of understanding of His grace. I can also relate to being mad at God for the circumstances you find yourself in. We have to remember that our battles are not against flesh but in the spiritual against powers and principalities.
This is a beautiful story about our Lord's unending love and unfathomable understanding and how He can take any situation, any circumstances and turn them for good, turn them for His glory.
I can't wait to read more books by Robin.
January 17, 2021
Secrets. 7 letters, 1 word, but it can destroy what we thought was indestructible
I do not how this author makes it through the writing of her books. I understand that authors think of their books as their babies that they let go when they send them to the publisher, hoping they will do fine.
This “baby” is one you don’t want to put down. I am so glad I keep tissues by me when the tears come. This book and author weave a tapestry of God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, life, secrets, imperfect humans into a soul wrenching quest for a deeper......much deeper relationship with God. Ms Hatcher weaves scriptures into the heartstrings of her babies and does it well. I could go on and on, but time for another of Ms Hatcher’s babies to hole for a while.
I do not how this author makes it through the writing of her books. I understand that authors think of their books as their babies that they let go when they send them to the publisher, hoping they will do fine.
This “baby” is one you don’t want to put down. I am so glad I keep tissues by me when the tears come. This book and author weave a tapestry of God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, life, secrets, imperfect humans into a soul wrenching quest for a deeper......much deeper relationship with God. Ms Hatcher weaves scriptures into the heartstrings of her babies and does it well. I could go on and on, but time for another of Ms Hatcher’s babies to hole for a while.
April 1, 2021
This story takes you into the heart of a marriage that is facing the trial of untold secrets finally revealed and the feelings of betrayal that you can’t see a way to mend.
It’s a convenient story line to use when you want to talk about what it really means to be a Christian. And this is a Christian fiction book. Still, the author does a good job of really digging into what it must feel like to experience those deep feelings of hurt when there is a loss of trust. At times the redemption narrative seemed to be laid on a little thick, but because I am a Christian ... I could handle it. Plus, it has a happy ending.
It’s a convenient story line to use when you want to talk about what it really means to be a Christian. And this is a Christian fiction book. Still, the author does a good job of really digging into what it must feel like to experience those deep feelings of hurt when there is a loss of trust. At times the redemption narrative seemed to be laid on a little thick, but because I am a Christian ... I could handle it. Plus, it has a happy ending.
May 7, 2025
Well wrote and good,but...
I would have liked to have seen more years filled in,along with the long lost daughter being not adopted, maybe placed with someone local or kept secret or even kidnapped as a baby... or in her real mother's life somehow... was a good story,but sad that so many years were wasted without knowing her,also would have been good to have a better not so abrupt ending with questions about what happened with Paula,does Kirsten stay in her apartment...what about Ethan and his girlfriend? ... hope there is more because the ending makes you feel like this story is just getting started. ..disappointed it wasn't a better
I would have liked to have seen more years filled in,along with the long lost daughter being not adopted, maybe placed with someone local or kept secret or even kidnapped as a baby... or in her real mother's life somehow... was a good story,but sad that so many years were wasted without knowing her,also would have been good to have a better not so abrupt ending with questions about what happened with Paula,does Kirsten stay in her apartment...what about Ethan and his girlfriend? ... hope there is more because the ending makes you feel like this story is just getting started. ..disappointed it wasn't a better
September 7, 2020
A powerful story of forgiveness. Be very careful of what you idolize if it is anything other than the Lord. If our possessions, our relationships or even our reputations are on the throne in our lives, then we are setting ourselves up for heartache. Faith is not really faith until it has been tested. This story presented some very relatable characters, situations, and honest emotions. Be prepared to see yourself in the realistic actions and reactions of several of the main characters; and more importantly, know that God is a God of redemption.
September 25, 2020
Firstborn
I read this book in one setting. It is so realistic and the characters are imperfect as we all are. The faith component is not just an add on but an integral part of the story line.
Secrets do always come to light. I have found that to be true in my life. The longer they are hidden the more complicated they become. I do work hard to keep confidences. I believe there is a difference between some secrets and confidential knowledge. Its a very difficult position to be in.
I read this book in one setting. It is so realistic and the characters are imperfect as we all are. The faith component is not just an add on but an integral part of the story line.
Secrets do always come to light. I have found that to be true in my life. The longer they are hidden the more complicated they become. I do work hard to keep confidences. I believe there is a difference between some secrets and confidential knowledge. Its a very difficult position to be in.
October 8, 2020
Wonderful, realistic and heartwarming story. Grace and forgiveness. Second chances. Love it. I do recommend it to anyone who like to read about real life trials. This book is sole searching journey, reminder t Wonderful, realistic and heartwarming story.
Wonderful, realistic and heartwarming story. Grace and forgiveness. Second chances. Love it. I do recommend it to anyone who like to read about real life trials. This book is sole searching journey, reminder that we are all sinners saved by grace.
Wonderful, realistic and heartwarming story. Grace and forgiveness. Second chances. Love it. I do recommend it to anyone who like to read about real life trials. This book is sole searching journey, reminder that we are all sinners saved by grace.
October 12, 2020
This is a story of Erika. The book jumps between her teen/early years and present day so I had to pay attention to the chapter titles. It is also told from the several main characters point's of view: Steven, Dallas, Ethan and Kristen. Erika and Steven have a good marriage but when Erika (a daughter given up for adoption unknown to Steven) shows up their solid marriage cracks. This story created some angst for me as I read it but I was satisfied with the ending; the focus is on a relationship with God and how that makes a difference. I would definitely read more books by this author.
January 20, 2023
I wasn’t prepared for the heaviness of this one. I loved the characters so much and couldn’t put it down. As an adoptive mom, my heart ached for Kirsten. She was truly loved, but it isn’t enough. No matter how beautiful adoption is, it is rooted in brokenness. Then you have to cope with Erika and Steven’s picture perfect pretense. Every family is dysfunctional in some form and Erika and Steven assumed they were better than everyone else until God exposes the truth and humbles them. Great lessons here.
October 27, 2020
This book was an excellent read by one of my favorite Christian fiction writers, Robin Lee Hatcher. I loved the characters in this writing and actually could not quit reading this book until I was finished. The story grabbed my attention from the beginning as I am the firstborn in my family and could relate to the firstborn character in the book. Truly a mother never ever loses her heart of love for each of her children no matter the circumstances, nor how far apart they may grow.
March 22, 2023
Okay
It waa a nice story that ended well with a lesson. I am not a fan of jumping back and forth in time but understood there was a purpose. . It was obvious what was about to happen and that part was slow.. The rest was predictable and I knew what was going to happen. I think I would have addressed Steven's absence those two years because he should have accepted his part in the situation .
It waa a nice story that ended well with a lesson. I am not a fan of jumping back and forth in time but understood there was a purpose. . It was obvious what was about to happen and that part was slow.. The rest was predictable and I knew what was going to happen. I think I would have addressed Steven's absence those two years because he should have accepted his part in the situation .
November 17, 2024
Imperfectly Beautiful
This novel was messy. The storyline was messy. There were twists and turns and total upheavals. The resolutions weren’t neat and tidy. The characters rarely did what you wanted. And the dialogue wasn’t always what you hoped for.
It was a lot like life. And the strong message of faith and restoration helped make a beautiful story all the better. What a great message.
This novel was messy. The storyline was messy. There were twists and turns and total upheavals. The resolutions weren’t neat and tidy. The characters rarely did what you wanted. And the dialogue wasn’t always what you hoped for.
It was a lot like life. And the strong message of faith and restoration helped make a beautiful story all the better. What a great message.
November 20, 2024
good book
This was a very good book. It held your attention and showed you how our sins can find us out when we think they were hidden so well. We must learn to lean and trust in our lord to fulfill our lives as well as work things out for our good. We need to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind even when the going is difficult and we don’t understand what all is going on. We just need to trust him which may not be easy to do but needed.
This was a very good book. It held your attention and showed you how our sins can find us out when we think they were hidden so well. We must learn to lean and trust in our lord to fulfill our lives as well as work things out for our good. We need to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind even when the going is difficult and we don’t understand what all is going on. We just need to trust him which may not be easy to do but needed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews