Not Your Child

A heartbreaking story of motherhood and the everlasting bond between mother and daughter - perfect for those who love Jodi Picoult!

I found you because I wanted to tell you. Jack is with someone else. He’s got no intention of sending for you or the kiddie or seeing you ever again. Don’t try to contact him, you’ll never find him.

All it takes is one message for Gemma’s life to fall apart. A confirmation of all she’s feared these last few months. Jack was supposed to be preparing for their new start in Australia, building their home, building their life together. And now this. Gone. Without a trace. Leaving their perfect world – all that their two-year-old daughter, Poppy, knows and cherishes – shattered.

Crystal comes into Gemma’s life at the opportune moment. This new friend, who’s been through it before, who knows how it feels for all of your hopes and dreams to suddenly implode, who wants to help, who will do anything…

Crystal loves Poppy. And Poppy loves Crystal. The minute they meet it’s as if all of the heartbreak over her dad leaving dissipates. Poppy feels whole again. And in a way, so does Gemma.

But what starts as a small kernel of jealousy soon grows into a larger sense of unease. Who is this woman who’s so obsessed with her daughter? And why does it feel like there’s something she’s not telling her?

A powerful and emotional women’s fiction novel about motherhood, friendship and just how far we’re willing to go for the ones we love, perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Emma Robinson and Kate Hewitt.

Praise for Sheila Norton:

'A well-crafted and brilliantly suspenseful novel that kept me guessing until the end.' Jo Bartlett

‘Loved this book!!!!!… Addictive. There was no way I was putting it down, I literally started reading the book around 10am and couldn't put it down until around 4am. Hahaha I'm so glad it was the weekend!!!!… I definitely recommend it!!!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

‘A breathtaking novel about motherhood… I felt angst, tension, compassion, empathy, surprise and suspicion…. Do not miss this novel, especially if you enjoy reading about families and their realistic struggles and moments of joy…. Grabbed my heart… Phenomenally emotive.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

‘A masterpiece story of a family finding their way… Hit all the feels for me and I was invested in the story from the beginning to the brilliant end. My emotions ran wild throughout this story and I would love to see this become a Netflix hit.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

‘A remarkable tale depicting a family's journey through the complexities of emotional challenges. Norton's storytelling kept engrossed me from start to finish, leaving a lasting impact… Truly captivating.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

‘A really great read. I really enjoyed this story… Beautifully written and a mother’s love for her children shines throughout the book as Jess struggles to make a home for them all and keep them safe.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

‘I LOVED this book. I was so drawn in by the weird dynamics between Jess and the neighbours.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review