The Paper Bracelet

Every paper bracelet held a mother's heartbreaking secret...


The must-read Top Ten bestseller, inspired by true events in a home for unwed mothers. Set in Ireland, Boston and London, and perfect for readers of The Girl Behind the Gates, Philomena and The Letter.

'Just heartwrenching and I was riveted with each page, wanting so badly to change the outcomes of what those poor young girls endured. I literally stayed up all night to read it ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐' Reader review

'It broke my heart. Rachael has managed to tell a truly heartbreaking story beautifully and with real grace and dignity ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐' Reader review

'This book handles a massive and heartbreaking history with a touch as warm and delicate as a baby's blanket ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐' Reader review

For almost fifty years, Katie Carroll has kept a box tucked away inside her wardrobe. It dates from her time working as a nurse in a west of Ireland home for unwed mothers in the 1970s. The box contains a notebook holding the details of the babies and young women she met there. It also holds many of the babies' identity bracelets.

Following the death of her husband, Katie makes a decision. The information she possesses could help reunite adopted people with their birth mothers, and she decides to post a message on an internet forum. Soon the replies are rolling in, and Katie finds herself returning many of the bracelets to their original owners. She encounters success and failure, heartbreak and joy. But is she prepared for old secrets to be uncovered in her own life?

Readers adore The Paper Bracelet:

'I was hooked right away. I loved the main characters ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'

'A beautifully written story, uncovering untold truths ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'

'One of the best books I've read for a long time ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'

'Emotional and thought provoking ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'

'Wonderful and brilliant ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'

Your favourite authors love the novels of Rachael English:

'A true storyteller who keeps you turning the pages' Cathy Kelly

'Utterly moving and compelling. That first line...wow! I was hooked' Patricia Scanlan

'Fantastic storytelling looking back at Ireland's dark past' Liz Nugent

'A powerful, important, beautiful book' Sinéad Crowley

'A compelling read' Sheila O'Flanagan