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Someone Else's Child
A gripping contemporary novel from a magnificent new talent that tackles the almost unbreakable loyalty of female friendships, the generosity of community and the lengths we will go to save a child.
Ren will do anything for her best friend, Anna. The news that Anna's daughter Charlotte has terminal brain cancer sends them on a desperate hunt for a cure and their only hope lies in an expensive European drug trial.
Ren jumps on board Anna's fundraising efforts, willing to put everything on the line - her reputation in their close-knit community and all the money she can beg or borrow - to secure Charlotte's place. When the local charity drive quickly becomes a nationwide campaign, townspeople start asking questions about the trial. And Anna's past. Questions Ren can't answer.
The more she uncovers, the more Ren realises the truth is darker than she could ever imagine. Are there any lines that won't be crossed in their fight for Charlotte?
Ren will do anything for her best friend, Anna. The news that Anna's daughter Charlotte has terminal brain cancer sends them on a desperate hunt for a cure and their only hope lies in an expensive European drug trial.
Ren jumps on board Anna's fundraising efforts, willing to put everything on the line - her reputation in their close-knit community and all the money she can beg or borrow - to secure Charlotte's place. When the local charity drive quickly becomes a nationwide campaign, townspeople start asking questions about the trial. And Anna's past. Questions Ren can't answer.
The more she uncovers, the more Ren realises the truth is darker than she could ever imagine. Are there any lines that won't be crossed in their fight for Charlotte?
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2022
22 people are currently reading
913 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
March 19, 2023
Someone Else’s Child by Aussie author Kylie Orr is a wonderfully written debut novel. A story of friendship and community spirit are the two things that stood out for me in this story. With relatable characters and a gripping storyline, I found it quite difficult to put this book down. I’m looking forward to seeing what this author writes next. Highly recommended.
June 2, 2022
What a totally awesome debut, this book is fabulous it takes in friendships and what happens when someone crosses the line in the most dreadful way and what one friend will do to save the life of a child, a must read book one that I found very hard to put down.
Welcome to the small town of Gibbs Creek a small town filled with caring people and when one of those residents, eight year old Charlotte (Lotte) Garson is diagnosed with a terminal malignant brain tumor the community get on board with her mother Anna, father Jez and best friend Ren to help raise enough money to take her to Germany for a trial that hopefully will give them a cure.
Best friend and long term resident Ren puts everything into this fundraiser to help her goddaughter Lotte and the money is coming in but when Anna decides to make it go national everyone is starting to ask questions and Ren is finding it harder to answer the questions. Ren is terribly worried about Lotte and Jez is becoming more concerned.
Ren starts to dig and what she uncovers is so shocking that she feels it can’t be true but the more she digs the more she discovers and this will turn not only her life but that of Jez and Lotte’s completely around.
Kylie Orr should be hugely congratulated on this debut it is compelling and gripping, a book that was really hard to put down the emotions, all sorts of emotions good and bad run through the pages as we get to know the Garson family and Ren the strength that is shown by a little girl and that of the godmother who loves her so much she puts so much on the line for her. This is one that I highly recommend and I do look forward to more from this author.
My thanks to the publisher for my copy to read and review
Welcome to the small town of Gibbs Creek a small town filled with caring people and when one of those residents, eight year old Charlotte (Lotte) Garson is diagnosed with a terminal malignant brain tumor the community get on board with her mother Anna, father Jez and best friend Ren to help raise enough money to take her to Germany for a trial that hopefully will give them a cure.
Best friend and long term resident Ren puts everything into this fundraiser to help her goddaughter Lotte and the money is coming in but when Anna decides to make it go national everyone is starting to ask questions and Ren is finding it harder to answer the questions. Ren is terribly worried about Lotte and Jez is becoming more concerned.
Ren starts to dig and what she uncovers is so shocking that she feels it can’t be true but the more she digs the more she discovers and this will turn not only her life but that of Jez and Lotte’s completely around.
Kylie Orr should be hugely congratulated on this debut it is compelling and gripping, a book that was really hard to put down the emotions, all sorts of emotions good and bad run through the pages as we get to know the Garson family and Ren the strength that is shown by a little girl and that of the godmother who loves her so much she puts so much on the line for her. This is one that I highly recommend and I do look forward to more from this author.
My thanks to the publisher for my copy to read and review
December 21, 2022
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Melbourne based writer Kylie Orr has fifteen years worth of experience in the publishing industry after releasing many feature articles for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Now the domestic noir genre beckons this debut author thanks to the publication of Someone Else’s Child. A book that features moral boundaries, ethical dilemmas, community relations, family stresses, health issues and female friendship, Kylie Orr’s first book is a thought-provoking tale.
Someone Else’s Child examines a very difficult situation. We meet a young girl named Charlotte who has tragically been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. This devastating news rattles Charlotte’s family and the community in which she lives. Charlotte’s family, friends and extended unit all rally together to help find a cure for the little girl. This concerned community’s only hope for Charlotte comes in the form of a very expensive drug trial in Europe. Soon a fundraising campaign is put in place and Charlotte’s mother Anna is supported by her best friend Ren, who will literally doing anything to save Charlotte. But suspicions are soon raised about this drug trial by the local community who are funding this life saving trip. Will Charlotte’s life be saved?
Kylie Orr’s debut novel has attracted the attention of the coveted Richell Prize, after it was longlisted by the respected award. Someone Else’s Child has also received positive recognition from the MsLexia International Novel Competition. Most recently, this novel has been selected as the June Book Stack read. Highly ethical, perplexing, dark, intriguing and unsettling, Someone Else’s Child was a book that I knocked off in just two close sittings.
A slow burn style plot directs Someone Else’s Child into an unknown spot, full of speculation, uncertainty, mistrust, dread and intrigue. As I read this book a terrible sense of unease washed over me as I started to formulate an opinion around this book’s path. I didn’t like the feeling at all and a deep pit seemed to develop in my stomach. When children are involved, my alarm bells start to ring. Little Charlotte’s illness really shook me to my core, it was very upsetting to read about this situation. When the local town and Charlotte’s extended unit started to make plans to save her, my spirits lifted a little. However, once the truth began to be unveiled via a plot twist, I felt that sense of terrible sense of unease return. Orr really ramps up the tension, emotion and general agitation of this novel. With plenty of realistic and representational characters, combined with believable dialogue, the race is definitely on to get to the pulsating conclusion of this tale.
Someone Else’s Child is a book that should be on your reading list this winter. Congratulations to Kylie Or on her debut release, I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this new voice in Australian domestic fiction.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Melbourne based writer Kylie Orr has fifteen years worth of experience in the publishing industry after releasing many feature articles for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Now the domestic noir genre beckons this debut author thanks to the publication of Someone Else’s Child. A book that features moral boundaries, ethical dilemmas, community relations, family stresses, health issues and female friendship, Kylie Orr’s first book is a thought-provoking tale.
Someone Else’s Child examines a very difficult situation. We meet a young girl named Charlotte who has tragically been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. This devastating news rattles Charlotte’s family and the community in which she lives. Charlotte’s family, friends and extended unit all rally together to help find a cure for the little girl. This concerned community’s only hope for Charlotte comes in the form of a very expensive drug trial in Europe. Soon a fundraising campaign is put in place and Charlotte’s mother Anna is supported by her best friend Ren, who will literally doing anything to save Charlotte. But suspicions are soon raised about this drug trial by the local community who are funding this life saving trip. Will Charlotte’s life be saved?
Kylie Orr’s debut novel has attracted the attention of the coveted Richell Prize, after it was longlisted by the respected award. Someone Else’s Child has also received positive recognition from the MsLexia International Novel Competition. Most recently, this novel has been selected as the June Book Stack read. Highly ethical, perplexing, dark, intriguing and unsettling, Someone Else’s Child was a book that I knocked off in just two close sittings.
A slow burn style plot directs Someone Else’s Child into an unknown spot, full of speculation, uncertainty, mistrust, dread and intrigue. As I read this book a terrible sense of unease washed over me as I started to formulate an opinion around this book’s path. I didn’t like the feeling at all and a deep pit seemed to develop in my stomach. When children are involved, my alarm bells start to ring. Little Charlotte’s illness really shook me to my core, it was very upsetting to read about this situation. When the local town and Charlotte’s extended unit started to make plans to save her, my spirits lifted a little. However, once the truth began to be unveiled via a plot twist, I felt that sense of terrible sense of unease return. Orr really ramps up the tension, emotion and general agitation of this novel. With plenty of realistic and representational characters, combined with believable dialogue, the race is definitely on to get to the pulsating conclusion of this tale.
Someone Else’s Child is a book that should be on your reading list this winter. Congratulations to Kylie Or on her debut release, I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this new voice in Australian domestic fiction.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
July 10, 2022
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Kylie Orr has created a complex and charismatic character in Anna in this impressive debut novel.
Anna is the woman that everyone instantly loves and everyone wants to be friends with. She is gorgeous, sunny and outgoing. When she picks Ren, a community service worker, to be her best friend Ren feels forever grateful. She was never one of the popular girls.
Anna is raising money to take her young daughter overseas for cancer treatment and Ren throws herself into the fundraising.
Anna is a classic manipulator and Kylie Orr highlights this in Anna and Ren's one-sided relationship. It was hard to read at times how badly Anna treated Ren through a toxic friendship that Ren was blinded to.
I have read a book with a slightly similar plot so I twigged to the outcome quite early however this didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book as I was eager to see how the friendship would fair and when the tide would turn. What ensued was a gripping read filled with emotion, turmoil and shocking reveals.
A small side story of Courtney, a young single mother with a disabled child, highlights the need for respite care and how hard it is for carers to get some respite. The difference between young, shy Courtney begging for help and the bright, charismatic Anna getting attention from many sources tells us a lot about human nature.
The ending to this story is fast, furious and unexpected. Someone Else's Child is an intriguing tale about trust, friendship, manipulation, mental illness and the generosity of community.
*I received my copy from the publisher
Kylie Orr has created a complex and charismatic character in Anna in this impressive debut novel.
Anna is the woman that everyone instantly loves and everyone wants to be friends with. She is gorgeous, sunny and outgoing. When she picks Ren, a community service worker, to be her best friend Ren feels forever grateful. She was never one of the popular girls.
Anna is raising money to take her young daughter overseas for cancer treatment and Ren throws herself into the fundraising.
Anna is a classic manipulator and Kylie Orr highlights this in Anna and Ren's one-sided relationship. It was hard to read at times how badly Anna treated Ren through a toxic friendship that Ren was blinded to.
I have read a book with a slightly similar plot so I twigged to the outcome quite early however this didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book as I was eager to see how the friendship would fair and when the tide would turn. What ensued was a gripping read filled with emotion, turmoil and shocking reveals.
A small side story of Courtney, a young single mother with a disabled child, highlights the need for respite care and how hard it is for carers to get some respite. The difference between young, shy Courtney begging for help and the bright, charismatic Anna getting attention from many sources tells us a lot about human nature.
The ending to this story is fast, furious and unexpected. Someone Else's Child is an intriguing tale about trust, friendship, manipulation, mental illness and the generosity of community.
*I received my copy from the publisher
June 19, 2022
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*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**2.5 stars**
Someone Else's Child by Kylie Orr. (2022).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free advance readers copy of this novel; published 1 June 2022**
Ren would do anything for her best friend Anna, her husband Jeremy and their daughter Charlotte. Lottie has terminal brain cancer and they are desperately trying to raise funds for an expensive European drug trial. The local charity drive becomes a nationwide campaign, but then the townspeople start asking questions about the trial and Anna, which Ren can't answer. The more she uncovers, the more Ren realises the truth is darker than she could ever imagine. Are there any lines that won't be crossed in their fight for Lottie?
I have to be honest and say that I didn't really enjoy this book that much. To put it really bluntly, I have read a couple of other books in the past with a similar concept as the storyline and I just liked them a lot more. I didn't mind the narrator character Ren, although I did think she was fairly naive and overly involved in the lives of Anna, Jeremy and Lottie. I felt it unrealistic how little Jeremy, Lottie's dad, had to do with his daughter's health issues especially given it was terminal cancer; maybe that sounds harsh but that's what was running through my head as I was reading. I appreciated the sections of the story that covered Ren's work at trying to organise respite care and support services for families that needed it - I thought that was depicted well.
Overall: this one wasn't really for me, however other early reviews are primarily quite positive so if it sounds interesting to you then worth giving it a go.
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**2.5 stars**
Someone Else's Child by Kylie Orr. (2022).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free advance readers copy of this novel; published 1 June 2022**
Ren would do anything for her best friend Anna, her husband Jeremy and their daughter Charlotte. Lottie has terminal brain cancer and they are desperately trying to raise funds for an expensive European drug trial. The local charity drive becomes a nationwide campaign, but then the townspeople start asking questions about the trial and Anna, which Ren can't answer. The more she uncovers, the more Ren realises the truth is darker than she could ever imagine. Are there any lines that won't be crossed in their fight for Lottie?
I have to be honest and say that I didn't really enjoy this book that much. To put it really bluntly, I have read a couple of other books in the past with a similar concept as the storyline and I just liked them a lot more. I didn't mind the narrator character Ren, although I did think she was fairly naive and overly involved in the lives of Anna, Jeremy and Lottie. I felt it unrealistic how little Jeremy, Lottie's dad, had to do with his daughter's health issues especially given it was terminal cancer; maybe that sounds harsh but that's what was running through my head as I was reading. I appreciated the sections of the story that covered Ren's work at trying to organise respite care and support services for families that needed it - I thought that was depicted well.
Overall: this one wasn't really for me, however other early reviews are primarily quite positive so if it sounds interesting to you then worth giving it a go.
September 1, 2022
Debut author Kylie Orr explores friendship, betrayal, and trauma in Someone Else’s Child.
With traditional approaches failing to treat eight-year-old Charlotte’s brain tumour, everyone agrees that securing her a place in an overseas clinical trial that offers help is essential, despite the exorbitant costs involved. While Lottie’s heartbroken father Jeremy continues to work to support the family, and her devoted mother Anna, takes sole responsibility for her care, Ren, Lottie’s loving godmother, does what she can to help them all cope with the strain, and is an eager supporter of the fundraising efforts.
As the story unfolds from Ren’s perspective, it’s clear she admires Anna, though they are quite different from one another. Orr’s skilful portrayal of their dynamic, which is integral to the plot, is very believable. In their nine years of friendship, Ren has never had reason to suspect Anna capable of deceit or cruelty. If Anna is lately occasionally sharp and demanding, Ren readily accepts the stress and exhaustion of the circumstances as an excuse. While she may not always agree with her friend’s decisions, Ren tells herself she is not a mother, and she trusts that Anna knows what is best for her daughter.
Orr stirs a range of strong emotions as the story progresses, from sadness and compassion, to dread and anger, but there is nuance to be found too. Though there is no surprise in regards to the direction the main plot takes, there is growing tension as Ren begins to suspect something is wrong which eventually builds to a dramatic confrontation. I like that Orr also briefly explored the aftermath of events, with an epilogue set three years later.
Subplots also add texture to the characters and enhance the story, in particular Ren’s struggle, as a Respite Coordinator for the town council, to find help for a young single mother of disabled son at the end of her rope.
Well-written, with complex characterisation, and an emotive plot, Someone Else’s Child is a strong debut. I couldn’t help but consider how I, compared to Ren, would reaction at various points, suggesting this would be a great choice for a book club.
++++++++
May 22, 2022
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A domestic suspense debut that will have everyone talking.
Anna’s daughter has terminal cancer and will do anything to find a cure for her.
When a European drug trial has an opening, Anna sees an opportunity to help her daughter.
But it’s very expensive.
Best friend Ren, desperate to help and when the idea of a fundraiser happens it’s all hands on deck.
Soon the whole nation is onboard, money is coming in and the community are behind them.
Then some strange rumours begin to surface and Ren starts questioning Anna.
As Ren digs deeper, what she is about to uncover will shock all.
A well paced tale with an ethical dilemma.
A story about female friendship, the mind of a mother, the strength of family and the paths we take and the consequences of these.
The reader is presented with a very interesting and intriguing storyline and while you may know where it’s heading, it still drags you in and completely rattles you and you just can’t put it down.
A solid example of a strong engaging first work, it will have you discussing and thinking about, making this book a great choice for dissecting in a book club.
Some curious issues woven in and explored, messing with our opinions and the occasional thought interludes of sympathy may arise.
A new voice is among the book world and with a highly entertaining debut like this, I’m excited to see what’s next.
A domestic suspense debut that will have everyone talking.
Anna’s daughter has terminal cancer and will do anything to find a cure for her.
When a European drug trial has an opening, Anna sees an opportunity to help her daughter.
But it’s very expensive.
Best friend Ren, desperate to help and when the idea of a fundraiser happens it’s all hands on deck.
Soon the whole nation is onboard, money is coming in and the community are behind them.
Then some strange rumours begin to surface and Ren starts questioning Anna.
As Ren digs deeper, what she is about to uncover will shock all.
A well paced tale with an ethical dilemma.
A story about female friendship, the mind of a mother, the strength of family and the paths we take and the consequences of these.
The reader is presented with a very interesting and intriguing storyline and while you may know where it’s heading, it still drags you in and completely rattles you and you just can’t put it down.
A solid example of a strong engaging first work, it will have you discussing and thinking about, making this book a great choice for dissecting in a book club.
Some curious issues woven in and explored, messing with our opinions and the occasional thought interludes of sympathy may arise.
A new voice is among the book world and with a highly entertaining debut like this, I’m excited to see what’s next.
November 28, 2022
Thank you Harlequin Australia for sending me a copy of this book for review.
I was pulled into the story from the very first page. This is a story about trust, loyalty, friendships and family relationships. I very much connected to the character of Ren. The story is told by her POV. Its a slow burner till about half way through and then it really ramps up. The first half is about the illness and the second half is about finding out the truth. It was refreshing to come across a story that I have read about. I loved the twists and turns at the end and I even though I predicted what was going to happen , I really wanted to know why???
I was pulled into the story from the very first page. This is a story about trust, loyalty, friendships and family relationships. I very much connected to the character of Ren. The story is told by her POV. Its a slow burner till about half way through and then it really ramps up. The first half is about the illness and the second half is about finding out the truth. It was refreshing to come across a story that I have read about. I loved the twists and turns at the end and I even though I predicted what was going to happen , I really wanted to know why???
June 30, 2022
I found this to be an impressive debut. Kylie Orr has crafted a compelling domestic thriller that digs deep into female friendship, raising questions of loyalty versus naivety and just how far one should go before they start asking questions about something that doesn’t sit right with them. I have to say, I have never been a fan of the go-fund-me movement. It’s stories like this one that make you realise that you just need to be careful about what you are putting your money into. Not everything can be taken at face value.
This is one of those tricky novels where I’d love to dig in and really discuss the themes at length, however, that would completely spoil the novel for you all. Suffice to say, even though I could see some writing on the wall, as I did not like Anna one bit right from the start, I certainly didn’t see everything that Kylie Orr had coming for us. One aspect of this story that I particularly liked was the focus towards the end, not so much on why a certain person did what they did and what might have been wrong with them to do such things, but more on the consequences of their actions rippling out and affecting those involved. The trauma that one person can inflict upon so many others through their actions: lasting, difficult to overcome and move on from and impossible to forgive sort of trauma. I liked how the author explored this to a certain degree within her ending.
A must read for fans of domestic thrillers. I could see this one translating well to the small screen as a compelling TV series.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
This is one of those tricky novels where I’d love to dig in and really discuss the themes at length, however, that would completely spoil the novel for you all. Suffice to say, even though I could see some writing on the wall, as I did not like Anna one bit right from the start, I certainly didn’t see everything that Kylie Orr had coming for us. One aspect of this story that I particularly liked was the focus towards the end, not so much on why a certain person did what they did and what might have been wrong with them to do such things, but more on the consequences of their actions rippling out and affecting those involved. The trauma that one person can inflict upon so many others through their actions: lasting, difficult to overcome and move on from and impossible to forgive sort of trauma. I liked how the author explored this to a certain degree within her ending.
A must read for fans of domestic thrillers. I could see this one translating well to the small screen as a compelling TV series.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
June 3, 2022
- thanks to @harlequinaus and @booksontherail for the chance to read this book
I was super excited for this debut because, as usual, I'm always on the lookout for my next favourite Crime novel and Someone Else's Child sounded right up my alley. Who can pass the chance to try a promising Domestic Noir?
Unfortunately, this book was rather disappointing and not at all what I hoped for.
For the first one hundred pages, nothing happens. The plot is absolutely still for the first third of the novel, a fact that, in hindsight, should have been warning enough. For an excruciating and unnecessary length of pages, the book goes on and on about the fundraising campaign for Charlotte's promising cancer treatment in Germany. The fact that Charlotte is very sick and her family and godmother are very concerned and trying their best is something that could have been reduced to five chapters maximum.
Then, something happens on page 103, and at that exact moment is when I should have stopped reading. But I did not. I made a note on the margin on that same page with all my predictions and prayed for a miracle. Surprise, surprise, two hundred pages later, I was kicking myself for not listening to my instincts in the first place, because nothing irks me more than a predictable plot 'twist', especially when it comes to any category within Crime Fiction.
Sadly, I have read plenty of predictable stories before, but I have never read something so blatantly obvious. In all honesty, this novel made me very angry, and the closer I got to the ending, the angrier I grew. I understand that the 'sick kid' trope is pretty fashionable at the moment, and I admire the author's boldness in giving it a go; however, it does not work. The characterisation and the writing do not compensate for a predictable, dull and insipid plot development.
Overall, Someone Else's Child was a disappointing read. Doubtlessly unforgettable because it will be a good reference point for the rest of my reading life. I would recommend it to readers who are not versed in the genre or those immune to predictability.
I was super excited for this debut because, as usual, I'm always on the lookout for my next favourite Crime novel and Someone Else's Child sounded right up my alley. Who can pass the chance to try a promising Domestic Noir?
Unfortunately, this book was rather disappointing and not at all what I hoped for.
For the first one hundred pages, nothing happens. The plot is absolutely still for the first third of the novel, a fact that, in hindsight, should have been warning enough. For an excruciating and unnecessary length of pages, the book goes on and on about the fundraising campaign for Charlotte's promising cancer treatment in Germany. The fact that Charlotte is very sick and her family and godmother are very concerned and trying their best is something that could have been reduced to five chapters maximum.
Then, something happens on page 103, and at that exact moment is when I should have stopped reading. But I did not. I made a note on the margin on that same page with all my predictions and prayed for a miracle. Surprise, surprise, two hundred pages later, I was kicking myself for not listening to my instincts in the first place, because nothing irks me more than a predictable plot 'twist', especially when it comes to any category within Crime Fiction.
Sadly, I have read plenty of predictable stories before, but I have never read something so blatantly obvious. In all honesty, this novel made me very angry, and the closer I got to the ending, the angrier I grew. I understand that the 'sick kid' trope is pretty fashionable at the moment, and I admire the author's boldness in giving it a go; however, it does not work. The characterisation and the writing do not compensate for a predictable, dull and insipid plot development.
Overall, Someone Else's Child was a disappointing read. Doubtlessly unforgettable because it will be a good reference point for the rest of my reading life. I would recommend it to readers who are not versed in the genre or those immune to predictability.
May 24, 2022
A stunning debut from a fresh voice in Australian domestic noir fiction. Someone Else's Child is a slow burn that will draw you in until you are completely and wholly compelled to quickly turn every page until you reach the dramatic conclusion.
The characters are written in such a way that you can't not feel for them. Of course, little Lottie diagnosed with an inoperable and terminal brain tumour, and then her mum, Anna, who is going to drastic lengths to find a cure, Jez, Lottie's dad who you can feel his helplessness on the page, and Ren, the point of view storyteller and Anan's best friend who is stuck in the middle especially when she begins to question what's going on.
Someone Else's Child is an eerie, dark and twisted story that will captivate readers who love the genre. And, I'm excited to see what else Kylie Orr has in store!
The characters are written in such a way that you can't not feel for them. Of course, little Lottie diagnosed with an inoperable and terminal brain tumour, and then her mum, Anna, who is going to drastic lengths to find a cure, Jez, Lottie's dad who you can feel his helplessness on the page, and Ren, the point of view storyteller and Anan's best friend who is stuck in the middle especially when she begins to question what's going on.
Someone Else's Child is an eerie, dark and twisted story that will captivate readers who love the genre. And, I'm excited to see what else Kylie Orr has in store!
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July 18, 2022An excellent debut from Melbourne author, Kylie Orr. Full review and author interview to come.
May 13, 2022
Kylie Orr has set up an excellent moral dilemma here, crammed full of emotion and tension. Towards the end of this taut story I found myself desperately diving back in and whipping the pages to get to the climax which, for me, is the sign of a really good read. A fabulous debut.
June 16, 2022
Wow, what a page turning debut novel! Someone Else's Child tells the story of Lottie who has been diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour. Best friends Ren and Charlotte's mother Anna are desperately trying to raise money for a drug trial in Germany which gives hope to Charlotte's condition. Anna sets up a foundation and as Ren is involved in social work, she rallies the local community and Anna organises TV interviews and social media which goes viral in their quest to raise the funds.
But there is a dark side that brews when a photograph emerges of a baby that looks so much like Charlotte that Ren discovers at Anna's home, who is this child, what don't they know.
I really enjoyed this book, the tension built up to the point that I read the last 150 pages in one sitting, I just had to find out what happened. Highly recommended for readers of Women's fiction and domestic noir thrillers. Can't believe this was the authors first book and I can't wait to see what comes in the future from this new Aussie author.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
But there is a dark side that brews when a photograph emerges of a baby that looks so much like Charlotte that Ren discovers at Anna's home, who is this child, what don't they know.
I really enjoyed this book, the tension built up to the point that I read the last 150 pages in one sitting, I just had to find out what happened. Highly recommended for readers of Women's fiction and domestic noir thrillers. Can't believe this was the authors first book and I can't wait to see what comes in the future from this new Aussie author.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2022
Actual rating 3.5*
A great debut novel with a storyline that, whilst a bit predictable, keeps the reader interested and wanting to know more. The author tackles lots of triggering storylines - childhood illness and abuse, family dynamics, small town life … to name a few and does them justice.
One of my favourite parts was the relationship between Lottie and Ren (her mother’s best friend). It was really endearing, warm and sweet.
A great debut novel with a storyline that, whilst a bit predictable, keeps the reader interested and wanting to know more. The author tackles lots of triggering storylines - childhood illness and abuse, family dynamics, small town life … to name a few and does them justice.
One of my favourite parts was the relationship between Lottie and Ren (her mother’s best friend). It was really endearing, warm and sweet.
May 29, 2022
This was such a compelling read! I already knew that it was going to be an emotional read - we meet Ren as she is in the middle of fundraising for her best friend’s daughter’s cancer treatment. I thought the impact of this was conveyed well, and I was pulled into the story, wanting to know if they make enough money for Lottie’s treatment. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, and when it did, I knew nothing was going to be the same. This had me eagerly turning the pages to find out what was going to happen to everyone. This was a fantastic debut & I can’t wait to read more from Kylie Orr in the future.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia & NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia & NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2022
Someone Else’s Child is a fast paced, exiting debut from a new Australian author. It follows Ren, a country girl who has befriended a city woman, Anna who moves to her small town and ends up marrying Ren’s best childhood friend and foster brother, Jez. When their daughter Lottie gets sick with a terminal cancer the small town comes together to fundraise for a European clinical trial.
Ren’s life is built around Anna, Jez & Lottie so when things start unravelling, she becomes desperate to uncover the truth.
Ren has a unique voice in a sadly not completely fantastical situation. This book will have you questioning how much you can trust the reality presented to you.
Ren’s life is built around Anna, Jez & Lottie so when things start unravelling, she becomes desperate to uncover the truth.
Ren has a unique voice in a sadly not completely fantastical situation. This book will have you questioning how much you can trust the reality presented to you.
March 31, 2022
What would you do if your best friends' child was sick and they couldn't afford the life-saving medical interventions needed? How far would you go to help them reach their goal? And what do you do when the story they have told you begins to unravel?
Someone Else's Child was not what I expected. The main character's penchant for obsequiousness was irritating and distracting. Looking past this, the overall story was interesting, albeit a bit predictable. Getting to the end was a relief but I'm happy to have read the novel. It was an easy read, perfect to fill time on a rainy day.
Someone Else's Child was not what I expected. The main character's penchant for obsequiousness was irritating and distracting. Looking past this, the overall story was interesting, albeit a bit predictable. Getting to the end was a relief but I'm happy to have read the novel. It was an easy read, perfect to fill time on a rainy day.
November 13, 2022
TW: gaslighting, family violence, child abuse
Wow, I knew going in to this it would be a domestic thriller but this is a very dark book with incredibly dark themes. The book follows Lottie, an 8 year old girl with terminal brain cancer, her parents Anna and Jeremy, and Anna’s best friend Ren as they all try to support Lottie to get into a clinical trial in Germany.
This book plays out complicated relationships, including friendships, intimate relationships, and parent to child relationships. I found this book really captivating and enjoyed the way it was written. Ir certainly covers some awful topics and for those that are uncomfortable with terminally ill children, I would steer clear of this one.
Glad I picked this one up. Thanks @harlequin for a #gifted copy of this book.
Wow, I knew going in to this it would be a domestic thriller but this is a very dark book with incredibly dark themes. The book follows Lottie, an 8 year old girl with terminal brain cancer, her parents Anna and Jeremy, and Anna’s best friend Ren as they all try to support Lottie to get into a clinical trial in Germany.
This book plays out complicated relationships, including friendships, intimate relationships, and parent to child relationships. I found this book really captivating and enjoyed the way it was written. Ir certainly covers some awful topics and for those that are uncomfortable with terminally ill children, I would steer clear of this one.
Glad I picked this one up. Thanks @harlequin for a #gifted copy of this book.
March 17, 2023
I originally gave this 4 stars but after sleeping on it, I'm bumping it up to 5 stars. I have been seeing this around for ages, but for some reason, have never felt the push to gravitate towards it and pick it up. Now I wish I had picked it up so much sooner. I predicted the twist pretty early on, which may be a let down for some people, but this had my favourite trope in thrillers which was done really well - so much so I could overlook the "unnecessary love".
August 23, 2022
Kylie Orr clearly knows how to keep a reader engaged. I found Someone Else’s Child to be a very well-written and captivating debut. I believe momentum is integral to any kind of novel and Someone Else’s Child is, without question, a masterclass in maintaining pace and building tension. Orr has painted a vivid picture of country Australian life but, more importantly, she’s created multifaceted, rich characters whose fates I was invested in to the last.
September 6, 2022
What an incredible story with a twisty plot.
October 5, 2022
Strong stakes, an impossible complication, and a cast of characters whose motivations make every page fraught with tension! Recommend.
December 23, 2022
Wow! A great story which keep me turning the pages
January 14, 2025
Good book, stupid and unlikely ending with Australia’s gun laws
April 30, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this book for an honest review.
Whilst the topic of this book may be traumatic to some and there is a page at the end with contacts in case it triggers anything, the book was really good. What looks like a story about an ill child takes a dramatic turn about halfway through and changes the entire flow of the story and brings other characters to the forefront. It was the turn that made the book even more interesting and made me want to know what was going to happen.
Whilst the topic of this book may be traumatic to some and there is a page at the end with contacts in case it triggers anything, the book was really good. What looks like a story about an ill child takes a dramatic turn about halfway through and changes the entire flow of the story and brings other characters to the forefront. It was the turn that made the book even more interesting and made me want to know what was going to happen.
February 24, 2024
This book had me on tenderhooks, I love the way it eases you into suspecting Anna and then as each small part of the mystery unfolds you become more and more invested. I thought Lottie was a very believable child too which, as a parent, I always need to be able to become invested in them.
Definitely recommend.
Definitely recommend.
January 2, 2023
I found this to be a real page turner.
August 22, 2022
2 ⭐️
Little Charlotte has cancer. A cancer that can’t be cured in Australia and which she desperately needs to travel to Europe for in order to take part in a medical trial. It’s literally a matter of life and death.
The folk of Charlotte’s small town dig deep, but they can only raise $30,000 of the $200,000 she needs. Anna, Charlotte’s mum; won’t stand for this. Wanting to take Charlotte’s plight nationwide, her best friend Ren does everything she can to help. But soon people are asking questions that Ren can’t answer. Add to this Anna’s erratic behaviour and Charlotte’s disclosures and Ren realises that something’s just not right; but very, very wrong. A matter of life and death wrong.
Kylie Orr’s debut novel Someone Else’s Child has been receiving rave reviews on Instagram and I was really looking forward to reading it. Whilst all the reviews I’ve read have said the plot was predictable, the reviewers felt this could be overlooked because of the writing, suspense, drama and/or characters. Unfortunately, these attributes weren’t enough to save this book for me.
I’m all for books where it’s about the journey and not the destination (every romance and chick lit book ever written and a lot of memoirs/biographies); but the plot of Someone Else’s Child was a journey on the road to nowhere. It was far too predictable from start to finish, making it not only difficult to finish; but also leaving me feeling mislead with it’s branding of ‘gripping contemporary fiction’. The only thing that kept me hanging in there was the characters, which I do applaud Orr for; as they were well written, developed and the definite heroes of this book.
Had the plot of Someone Else’s Child instead been one storyline in an overall plot and a good third shorter than what it is; it may well have made that book for me. However, in this instance; it’s not a book that I enjoyed. As always though, this review is just one person’s opinion and if the cover, blurb and/or other reviews make you want to read it, then you should absolutely do so. After all, not every book can be a five star read for every person.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
Little Charlotte has cancer. A cancer that can’t be cured in Australia and which she desperately needs to travel to Europe for in order to take part in a medical trial. It’s literally a matter of life and death.
The folk of Charlotte’s small town dig deep, but they can only raise $30,000 of the $200,000 she needs. Anna, Charlotte’s mum; won’t stand for this. Wanting to take Charlotte’s plight nationwide, her best friend Ren does everything she can to help. But soon people are asking questions that Ren can’t answer. Add to this Anna’s erratic behaviour and Charlotte’s disclosures and Ren realises that something’s just not right; but very, very wrong. A matter of life and death wrong.
Kylie Orr’s debut novel Someone Else’s Child has been receiving rave reviews on Instagram and I was really looking forward to reading it. Whilst all the reviews I’ve read have said the plot was predictable, the reviewers felt this could be overlooked because of the writing, suspense, drama and/or characters. Unfortunately, these attributes weren’t enough to save this book for me.
I’m all for books where it’s about the journey and not the destination (every romance and chick lit book ever written and a lot of memoirs/biographies); but the plot of Someone Else’s Child was a journey on the road to nowhere. It was far too predictable from start to finish, making it not only difficult to finish; but also leaving me feeling mislead with it’s branding of ‘gripping contemporary fiction’. The only thing that kept me hanging in there was the characters, which I do applaud Orr for; as they were well written, developed and the definite heroes of this book.
Had the plot of Someone Else’s Child instead been one storyline in an overall plot and a good third shorter than what it is; it may well have made that book for me. However, in this instance; it’s not a book that I enjoyed. As always though, this review is just one person’s opinion and if the cover, blurb and/or other reviews make you want to read it, then you should absolutely do so. After all, not every book can be a five star read for every person.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
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