Don't Call Me Greta: A Stolen at Birth Novel

by Angie Stanton

Don’t Call Me Greta is a poignant story filled with intrigue, adventure and the struggle of family loyalties.

Piper Winslow’s life is destroyed when her mother is arrested for kidnapping her as an infant. With her mom in jail and her real family about to reclaim her as Greta—her birth name—what can she do? Run, of course.

Escaping close calls and dominating headlines while eluding authorities, Piper and an unlikely passenger are on a harrowing adventure.

Piper’s birth parents are determined. She is discovered and returned to her real family… but not everyone is happy to see her.

As Piper struggles to cope in her new life, she hits one obstacle after another. This family that appears so perfect on the outside, harbors secrets, and nothing is as it seems...

Will she ever be fully accepted?
Will she ever fit in?
Will they ever stop calling her Greta?

Genres: Fiction, Young Adult, Book Club, Mystery, Audiobook, Family, Contemporary

332 pages, Paperback

Published March 9, 2021

About the author

Angie Stanton is a life-long daydreamer who grew up with her hands on a book and her head in the clouds. As an adult, she’s put her talent to good use writing award winning contemporary fiction about life, love, and the adventures that follow.

Angie has a Journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin and is the best selling author of Waking in Time, If Ever, Rock and a Hard Place, Snapshot, Royally Lost, Under the Spotlight, Snowed Over, and Love ‘em or Leave ‘em.

Angie is a proud winner of a Midwest Book Award for Waking in Time.
Waking in Time is also a finalist in the National Readers Choice Awards as is her book If Ever and Love 'em or Leave 'em.

In her spare time, Angie sneaks off to New York City to enjoy the best entertainment experience on earth, Broadway. She is currently working on a series of Broadway-themed books, and is a contributing writer to BroadwayWorld.com.

Angie’s latest release is If Ever, a sexy, playful love story spanning from LA to New York and London.

For more information on Angie and her books, please visit:
www.angiestanton.com
Facebook.com/AngieStantonAuthor
Twitter: @angie_stanton
Instagram angiestanton_author.

Reviews

[Anne OK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angie Stanton knows exactly how to tug at the heartstrings of her readers with a well-paced and tantalizing story that lures you in and doesn't let go until the end.

It takes only an instant for a life to be drastically changed. And Piper’s is just such an example. The only life and family she's ever known are about to be ripped away. This is the story of a stolen newborn baby girl, now a young woman on the brink of adulthood, who’s found by chance almost two decades later. Her birth parents and siblings anxiously await her return. Sounds like a perfect ending, right?

Well, the drama is just beginning. It is sure to stir the reader’s curiosity. The author drops just enough breadcrumbs along the path to keep the reader’s anticipation high without giving away the payoff. First, you’ll be stunned, surprised and asking how you didn’t quite piece it all together. Just keep in mind that appearances can be deceiving!

My only nitpick was with the wrap-up. It felt rushed and left me wanting more. Too many dangling ends and remaining questions as to the future for these characters kept the closure a step or two away from being totally satisfying.

Otherwise, a nicely packaged emotional and intriguing page-turner that turns lives inside out and upside down, provides a twist or two and some sweet surprises, as well.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an intense read! Piper’s life is disrupted when her mother is arrested for kidnapping her as an infant. Her mother is arrested, Piper is told she will become a ward of the state because she is underage, Piper can’t wait for her brother Zack to come home from volunteering in another country to help her, she runs away with Zack’s best friend Finn.
Finn and Piper go on hiatus or adventure to see her grandmother until they get caught in Canada at her Grandmother’s cabin on a lake. Law enforcement and her real Dad catch up to her at the cabin. Piper agrees to go with her father to meet her real mother and her siblings. That is all I am telling ya. Really good read.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man, what page turner! This story starts with a bang and just grabs you so hard!

So excited to have another book from one of my favorite YA authors!! As a mom, I can’t image anything worse than having your baby stolen from you. This story really gives you a sense of the emotional fallout and the confusing loyalties as this family reunites after Greta/Piper was taken 17 years ago.

This story is so realistic, from the shocking discovery to the reactions of all involved. There are so many great twists and turns! I just loved how well paced the action was and how well she wove in surprises for us all along the way.

The road trip with Finn was excellent! I’m calling it a road trip because calling it the “fleeing of a fugitive” sounds too dramatic! And I loved how their missteps along the way added levity and, dare I say, an aura of romance to the story. I’m totally Team Finper! Pipin? We’ll work on that. I think it was refreshing for Piper/Greta to know that someone else’s life was messed up too. And he was such a terrific friend to her when everyone else really wasn’t. I’m looking at you Joni.

There are a lot of great themes in this book - that money does’t buy happiness, that perfect on the outside doesn’t equate to perfect on the inside and genetics don’t make a family. But really it’s about making lemonade when life hands you lemons and learning to appreciate the people around you and make the best of everyday even when it’s hard.

I would have loved a little more at the end because the wrap up felt rushed. But such a great story!

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author and these are my honest opinions.

[Valerie Biel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad to have another fantastic story from one of my fav YA authors!
From page one the reader is part of this heart-pounding journey with Piper as revelation after revelation turn her entire life upside down. Stanton's ability to dig into her characters' emotions and motivations have us rooting for Piper/Greta from the beginning through a number of surprising plot twists which Stanton skillfully weaves into this story. A suspenseful, original, and beautifully written book you'll stay up late to finish!

[Paula Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lately this past month I have found myself in a bit of a book rut, where I try reading a book and I just can't seem to sink my teeth into it. When I was contacted to read and review Don't Call Me Greta by Angie Stanton. I was so excited as I thought this book will get me out of my reading slump as I had previously enjoyed Angie's books and secondly the whole "Stolen at Birth" is one of my top favorite book tropes out there. The book starts with Piper begging her mum to allow her to go on a campus tour and then the next thing Piper knows her whole life has been turned upside down as the cops storm her house accusing her mother of kidnapping. Piper knows this has to be a big mistake as her mother is the most cautious person and has never stolen anything let alone what they are accusing her of - stealing a baby. As the book goes along, we are presented with a situation that reminded me of the MTV Show Finding Carter where Piper discovers her whole life is a lie and that she should have been growing up as Greta Grout, not Piper Ann Winslow. Piper doesn't want her life to change and so she decides to go on the run with her brother Zach's best friend Finn and escape the idea of going to live with her "birth family". Of course, all things must come to an end. What will happen when Piper is delivered to her "biological family" - will they be open to her or will she find it like living in prison as she dreams of being reunited with Zach and the mum who raised her aka her kidnapper? Find out in this heartbreaking but powerful novel that will tug at your heartstrings as we feel for Piper/Greta having to navigate not only one family but two and starting all over in a life that should have been hers but doesn't feel right?

[Angie Stanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi all!

I'm so excited to bring you Don't Call Me Greta. This is a passion project that has been in the works for a long time, and I can't wait for you to read it!

Can you imagine what it would be like to suddenly discover the mother you love is a criminal who stole you as an infant? What would you do? Don't Call Me Greta is the story of how a girl named Piper copes with her new situation. It's poignant and moving as well as filled with adventure.

If you enjoy this story, please consider giving it that magic 5-star rating! It will help more readers discover the book.

Happy reading!

[Skyye Breeze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic! I love this book!
It's written very well! It has believability, it's captivating you won't be able to put it down, and you feel that connection to the characters! You feel their emotions as if everything was happening to you as well! You will definitely need tissues! There's so many different emotions!! I honestly don't know how they got through the situation and experiences as well as they did! My heart just dropped in every crucial moment!
The story is beautiful.. its intriguing!!!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! From the very opening, things happen to Greta/Piper that send her on the run, aided by a handsome friend with issues of his own. Angie Stanton is an amazing YA author whose stories captivate, enthrall, and often tug at heartstrings. If you're already a fan, this book won't disappoint! If you've never read Ms. Stanton's novels, and you love YA novels, give this one a try for sure!

[Caroline David · Rating 5 out of 5]

So you see movies or shows about things like this but I haven't read a book like this and I must say, I prefer the book! Angie Stanton did an excellent job with this and I flew through the book. It was an easy read and brings you into every emotion.

[Paula Dyches · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read! Stolen At Birth Novel

This book was amazing and so hard to put down! It's a story we've all wondered about... a girl stolen at birth and raised by a different family and then found many years later. The insights, twists and turns, and emotional rollercoaster that this tough teen goes through is so well described in this book. I've read other books by this author and loved them too, but this one flew to the top of my list of favorite books. If you liked the summary then don't hesitate to buy or read this book, you won't be disappointed.

The narrator did a great job and I thought she was able to pour the right amount of emotion into it without going over the top. She definitely was fun to listen to and fit the main character.

Parents- This is probably around a PG13 rating. Overall it was pretty clean, no graphic violence or bedroom scenes. There is some romance but it equates to mostly kissing and a couple of make out scenes. The language was fairly clean too but did get a bit heated in a couple scenes and one f-bomb was dropped in this book, but it was in a scene where it made since and wasn't just thrown in for fun or used beyond that.

—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[PinkAmy loves books, cats and naps · Rating 2 out of 5]

***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of DON’T CALL MS GRETA by Angie Stanton in exchange for my honest review.***

When Piper learns her mom kidnapped her at birth, and that her real name is Greta she runs away. Later, she’s captured by to police and returned to her biological family to begin the difficult process of adjusting.

When I first started reading DON’T CALL MS GRETA, I thought this was going to be a five star read. I was captured by Piper’s voice and Angie Stanton’s writing. Once the story turned to a runaway road trip with Piper and her brother’s best friend Finn, I saw an enemy to friends rom-com from a mile away and I couldn’t wait for that part to end to get back to why I was interested in the story. Over half way through, Piper finally meets her new family complete out of central casting with flat, one dimensional characters.

If Stanton had stuck to a story about a kidnapped girl and her multi-layered family adjusting, I’d have probably, have rated four or five stars. I do think some readers will enjoy the book. I enjoyed parts of it, especially bio dad Dave.

DON’T CALL MS GRETA could have been a much better book, but I’d still a worthwhile read for those interested in the blurb.

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Angie Stanton for providing me with ARC of Don't Call Me Greta.

Piper is a normal 17 year old, fighting with her mom until the day the police show up at her door. She is deathly afraid they are coming to tell them that something has happened to her brother Zach. She is shocked when they arrest her mother for kidnapping a baby and it takes more then a minute for it to sink in that baby is her. In a matter of minutes her whole life is in shambles and she doesn't know what to do or think.

All she knows is everything is happening so fast and she isn't being allowed to process anything before being hit with more stuff. When she finds out that her real parents are supposed to be there in the morning. She panics and runs. How can anything be alright ever again?

I could not stop reading this, I was hooked from the first chapter. This is an amazing look at baby abductions and the struggle for everyone. It is heartbreaking, confusing and beyond hard. How do you fit in with a family you don't know? Is it okay to still love your other family? Those are just some of the beginning questions. Then from the real parents perspective not understand why your child still loves the person who hurt you the most. It is such a tangled web of feelings.

[Caylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely a page turner for me. I was sucked in from the start and couldn’t put it down.
It felt so real, going through Piper’s new life with her.
Her “road trip” with Finn was great, I loved their banter.
And Piper’s “new” family was filled with so much drama and unexpected twists...but it all kept me so engrossed in this book, that I ignored all my responsibilities for the day!

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a quick, sweet read.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

4.5 stars. I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway and I’m so glad I did. It was a great story that tugged at my heartstrings. I read it in three sittings because I hated to put it down each night. I would love to see this one made into a movie. There were a few grammatical errors and typos, but great story despite that.

[Richa Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and although there were a lot of mixed feelings when I read this book, in the end I give it a 4 stars because I love Angie Stanton's writing style and the for the storyline she decided on.
When I was around 20% into the book, I assumed that the entire book would revolve around the MC being on a run and that would been a huge disappointment for me because I loved how Angie portrayed and explored the relationship between the MC and her birth family. In the beginning, MC comes off as really selfish even though it's expected of a teenager and it frustrated it to the point were I thought I would have to DNF it but the more you go through the book and get to meet other characters, the more you understand where she is coming from and how complicated and devastating the impact of this incident has been on everyone's lives. In the end it was a really emotional book for me and it broke my heart to see how much the MC suffered. More than that, it would really invoke a lot of thoughtful questions in a reader's mind, as it did for me, on the "whole blood is thicker than water" ideology. I was really glad to have had the opportunity to read this book and would recommend everyone to give it a try.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I have tried to write this without spoilers, but I suspect there may be a few so read with caution. Sorry!

First of all, I will start by saying that I like Stanton's writing and the YA plots she chooses to cover in her stories. While her writing style has matured a lot since her early books, her plots have always been strong and I appreciate that they move quickly. This was no exception. The book starts with Piper / Greta finding out that her mother isn't who she is and then everything kind of happens from there.

Piper's character is well-developed and most of the other characters, although secondary, have enough description and time on the page for you to get a feel for their personalities as well. It was interesting to see the whole kidnapping from two sides: Piper living through it and her new family trying to squeeze her back into their lives. I did find it hard to fathom that her new family could lack empathy with respect to her situation. She has gone from a life she lived for 17 years with people she loved to a home with complete strangers, but everyone expected her to be grateful and loving. At the same time, it didn't detract from the story and helped to really hammer home how much Piper was being asked to adapt and change all because of something she had no control over. I actually had tears in my eyes on the day that everything really goes wrong. I don't cry a lot with books but every now and then ....

Finn was a great character and they had some nice banter back and forth between them. I'm still not sure there was enough Finn, despite his companionship on the road, to justify their sudden relationship status and the change of heart, but I get it as a plot device and a key part of most YA novels. I do wish that maybe they had had more time together to get over the past and become a couple than to kind of jump right in.

Oh, as a Canadian, it was fun to see Stanton talk about the border and point out the reality of having the longest unprotected border in the world. (Although perhaps not so cool is how the book basically showed how easy it would be slip into Canada.)

All in all, a good story that moves quickly and touches on an interesting topic.

I only dropped this a star because there was a plot twist I didn't particularly care for and felt wasn't necessary towards the end of the book. No spoilers though! While it was there for a reason, the book would have been equally good without it and I actually feel it weakened some of the characters as a result. I am also a picky reader with some details: what was with the shoe situation when she loses her flip flops in the water; what Finn was doing for underwear the whole time; and how did Finn get back into the US given that he also snuck across the border illegally?

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is A Stolen at Birth Novel and it is Piper's story and omg this story takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Piper is seventeen and she is due to go to look around a college campus in Indiana but her mom has always kept her isolated in there hometown not allowing Piper to go anywhere but Piper is determined to go to college but then there is a knock at the door and the police are there and Piper's life as she knows it is turned upside down when she is told that she was stolen at birth. Piper managed to run away by taking her brother's car as he is away only to have Finn who is her brother's best friends get in the car to go with her but what will happen next when everything around them starts to close in and they may be discovered. Omg this book keeps you on the edge of your seat and I couldn't put it down as I had to see what would happen next for Piper when she is reunited with her biological family. There are twists and turns along with secrets, betrayal, hope love and so many emotional situations that have you in tears. This is the first book that I have read by Angie Stanton but definitely not the last as it was so well written and totally addictive and I can't wait to read more of her books in the future.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Arc Copy of this Amazing Book.

[JenBsBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a series with a very similar premise (The Face on the Milk Carton, teen girl, raised in a happy family, finds out she was kidnapped, and her "real" family wants her back. The other series was 8+ years ago, but I've remembered it.

The MC here is a senior in high school, and that's probably the target audience. I'm a bit (ha) beyond that, but still enjoyed it. It hit on a lot of the emotion that all the individuals going through something like this might feel. Nothing completely black & white. Happy enough ending, giving the premise. The "a stolen at birth novel" makes it feel (to me) like it's part of a collection or something, but it is a stand-alone, although the author had a bunch of other novels.

The Kindle copy is included in KU, and Hoopla has the audio. My KU subscription ended before I wrote up my review (I like to have the text to reference if needed - but my bad). Not sure if it's an Amazon exclusive, as the library/Libby doesn't have any copies.

1st person/present tense. 38 chronological chapters/no headers. No profanity ... at one point something was described as a "a giant cluster" ... and just ends there. ClusterF, that is used a lot ;)

[Arianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read many of Angie Stanton's other books, I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to read another--and I was not disappointed. "Don't Call Me Greta" is an emotional roller coaster that you hop on with Piper/Greta right from the beginning and don't get off, but in the best possible way. I felt like I was there with her and all I wanted to do was give her a giant hug and be there for her. She's a relatable character with gumption, compassion, and lots of love. The rest of the characters, too, were relatable, though their personalities were all clearly different and they were dealing with everything in their own ways.

It was fun and heartwarming (maybe stash some tissues away) to watch all of the relationships develop along the way as everyone tried to adjust to their new "normal". More than once my heart did a few flips for Piper/Greta and the developments with Finn/her birth father/Zach. I would've loved to see a little more of how hers and Finn's relationship grew, as well as more insight into how the relationship with her birth mother and older birth sister healed and developed, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed what I read and cannot wait for more from Angie.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride!! First of all this book will have you glued to it from the beginning to the end so make sure you are ready to read it all quickly, but then you don’t want it to end. Piper’s life quickly turns upside down in one day and what she finds out, she knows that her life will never be the same. She had no clue! The twists and turns that this story makes you keep guessing, what’s next! I loved the storyline and all the characters, well some I just wanted to snack lol. Once you read this book you’ll feel the same. This book has it all and keeps you wondering what’s next and you don’t want it to end. There’s romance in the story and I’m a huge romance fan, but there’s so much more! This author writes stories that will make you want to keep reading and I have read several from her novels. You won’t be disappointed by choosing to read this story. Don’t call me Greta is story that does happen in real life so be prepared to have many emotional experiences with this awesome book! Who doesn’t like a good cry, laugh out aloud, want to snack a few characters, and don’t forget a bit of mystery in one storyline? I’m looking forward to future stories from this author.

[Evelyn Jane Thorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t Call Me Greta is the story of an ordinary teenager whose life is totally upended when her mother is arrested for kidnapping her when she was a baby. What follows is a journey of self discovery, adventure, heartbreak and new beginnings.

I was actually really surprised at how strong Piper was because if that was me I would have been emotionally wrecked. My heart absolutely broke for her because it must have been really terrifying to give up the life that she knew so that she could live with total strangers. I really liked the times when Piper would stick up for herself especially in regards to Melissa and Kirsten.

I have to say that I really liked Derrick and I especially liked Dave. The way that Dave really stepped up and helped Piper really warmed my heart. I was not expecting those secrets whatsoever and they really blew my mind.

I recieved an advanced copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.

[Demar Moran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok I’m changing my rating to 2.5⭐️ after sleeping on it haha. Some parts were SO ridiculous and I swear way more time was spent on the runaway vs life afterwards. There was so much added and unnecessary drama that it took away so much from the book. also I didn’t buy her relationship with Finn. Why did I enjoy it? No clue. But I did haha. But I also don’t think I’d recommend it.

3.5⭐️ …..I was pretty conflicted about this one. Overall I really enjoyed it and flew through it but the writing was pretty terrible….and sometimes it was SOOOOOO CORNY!!!!! But then some characters were super endearing (Dave and Derrick) and I even found myself tearing up a few times. Definitely a love hate relationship with this book.

[Sarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read and loved many of Stantons books over the years so I was excited to get a copy of this one to review. Just like her other books, this one didn't let me down. Being thrown into Piper/Greta's life had me hooked right away. I loved watching the relationship shift between Piper and Finn but wish that we got to see more of where that ended up. The last few chapters felt a bit rushed and left me wishing there was more of a closure to wrap everything up but instead I was left wanting more. With that said I really enjoyed the book and had a hard time putting it down.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story about a teen who has a controlling mom. Mom doesn't want her to get a driver's license or have a job. She just seems to control every aspect of Piper's life. Until that one small thread unravels and the police show up at the door to arrest Piper's mom, who really isn't her mom after all. She's the woman who stole Piper as an infant and raised her as her own. I think teens will really like this story, of a girl who takes a DNA test with a friend and then ends up being reunited with the family that she never knew she had.

[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't Call Me Greta by A. Stanton is a full length, stand-alone, ya novel. An absolutely gripping, emotional read that put me through the wringer. A tearjerker, unputdownable after I started reading. The storyline is unique, the writing is excellent and don't get me started with the plotttwists, and unexpected turns.
That book kept me in suspense from start til the last page, literally unputdownable.
A great read, I recommend the book, keep tissues at hand. 5 stars.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting. It was so good. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Perfectly written. I couldn’t imagine being in Piper/Greta’s shoes. To be torn away from the only family she knew. Then to go to a new state, start a new school, with a new family in a strange house would be harder. I found a new to me author!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading this book...I didn't want to put it down.

One of the things I liked is how easily I could relate to the main characters. Kept thinking "what would I have done if I were Piper?" Her friend Finn made a great 'good boy/bad boy.' The decisions they made together were real, heartfelt and kept the story alive.

From my perspective as a parent, through Ms. Stanton's writing, I felt the parents' emotions as they navigated through this mix of horrible - yet joyful - experiences.

Great ups and downs throughout the book. Highly recommend!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through a goodreads giveaway! This book was so thrilling, I couldn't put it down. It's such a complicated and beautiful story of family and how all families aren't the perfect professional photos hanging on the wall. Love and loss are entwined in this heartwarming tale of personal growth.

[Tracy Bilen]

I really enjoyed this heartbreaking story of a teen who discovers that the parents she has known and loved all her life are not actually her parents. I especially liked the second half of the novel where we see Greta interacting with her new family and experience the trauma from both the perspective of Greta and her biological family. I just loved the biological dad - he balanced nicely with the negative vibes we got from some of the other family members.

[Colleen Riordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Total page turner!! I was on the edge of my seat for the whole first half! In "Don't Call Me Greta," Piper's world is turned upside down when she learns she was stolen at birth. For the last 17 years, her biological family has searched for their baby "Greta," and Stanton pulls no punches as we see the impact this has had on them. I loved the thrill of the first half as we see Piper first react to the news, but the second half was even better as we watched her find her place in a new life.