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The Second Child

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The Second Child

By: Caroline Bond
Narrated by: Antonia Beamish
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About this listen

 Why do you love your child? Is it because they're a straight A student, a talented footballer? Or is it simply because they're yours? Sarah and Phil love both their children, James and Lauren. The couple have the same hopes and aspirations as any parent. But their expectations are shattered when they discover that their perfect baby daughter has been born with a flaw; a tiny, but life-changing glitch that is destined to shape her future, and theirs, irrevocably. Over time the family adapt and even thrive. Then one day a blood test casts doubt on the very basis of their family. Lauren is not Phil's child. Suddenly, their precious family is on the brink of destruction. But the truth they face is far more complex and challenging than simple infidelity. It tests their capacity to love, each other and their children, and it raises the question of what makes – and what breaks – a family.©2018 Caroline Bond (P)2018 Bolinda Publishing Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Medical Women's Fiction Thought-Provoking

Critic reviews

'Caroline Bond takes a complex situation and has written a thoughtful, wrenching and, at times, tear-jerking novel.' (Elizabeth Buchan)
'I stayed up long into the night to finish The Second Child ... a carefully crafted and utterly compelling tale of lost opportunity and impossible choices.' (Amanda Brooke, internationally bestselling author)
'I was so invested in every word of this novel. An unthinkable situation, but highly believable, this story is spellbinding, real, and brilliantly written. I felt for every character. It mines the depth of every possible human emotion. Caroline Bond will go far. ' (Carol Mason)
All stars
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Great book really enjoyed it , very well written. Likeable characters, would recommend this book . Good ending

Fantastic

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Well written, well read and kept your attention through the whole book. Not predictable, tough and a good insight to human nature.

Brilliant

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An enjoyable story. Slightly slow and ponderously told. Lets you into the life of a family with complex problems leaves you annoyingly on a cliff edge at the end.

Good story. Slightly slow

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I wanted to hear how the next bit went , felt short changed sadly I got it but disappointing end

Very abrupt ending

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I enjoyed this book with its highs and lows of feelings amongst the characters in a complex family story. I guessed the twist at the end, but I do feel that such a situation is highly improbable - still, it was a good story. There is a line in the book that I re-wound to hear again because I wasn't sure I heard it correctly.... a character described as "black-faced teenager?" Emm... I would love to know what one of those is!!!

Easy, enjoyable listen while walking but....

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