SOO good! This was such a fun read that explored the hardships of mental health crisis in addition to women's rights and overall options for women after birth. Ruskin did a great job of weaving a very intricate storyline between the past and present and still brought out an amazing ending. Worth the read!!

This compelling debut novel kept me turning pages into the wee hours. The characters were well- developed and relatable, and the story pacing was just right. The story was full of tension and suspense, and although parts of the story were easy to predict, the thrill was seeing how the events came to pass and how the various storylines culminated into a tension-filled, emotional ending.

The story is told from three alternating points of view: Billie, an adoption specialist who is struggling with infertility, Billie's husband Tyler, an attorney working overtime to become a partner in his firm, and Anne, a person from Tyler's past. Ruskin's description of the character's experiences were absolutely visceral. I found myself in tears and feeling sorry for each of the main characters, even with their 'faults.' The author skillfully deals with the trials and tribulations of infertility, adoption, family dynamics, mental illness, and more.

This was a masterful debut and I am excited to read other books by this author. Thank you to the author, NetGalley and She Writes Press for the advanced reader's copy.

This is a story that draws you in and keeps you guessing unil the end. There are sad topics in this book and it left me feeling just a little bit sad. This book discusses topics of sexual abuse, infertility and adoption. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

#NotYoursToKeep #NetGalley
Engrossing..5 ⭐
Billie Campbell, a Massachusetts adoption specialist grappling with fertility issues, dreams of adopting a baby, but not just any baby—her pregnant client’s baby. While her longing threatens to send her down a dark path, her husband, Tyler, is keeping secrets: he’s full of doubts about becoming a father, and he’s also trying to figure out who is sending him upsetting anonymous texts and photos. On the other side of town, Anne, a woman scarred by childhood abuse, obsesses with a second chance at becoming a family with the two people she regrets ever having let go of: the baby she gave up for adoption twenty years ago and the man of her dreams. Their lives become entangled when the client’s newborn is abducted, and Billie becomes a prime suspect. Amid the chaos unleashed by the abduction, Tyler uncovers a link between the person tormenting him and the abduction—but now Billie has disappeared too. The race to find both her and the baby is on; but will they find them before it’s too late?
I adored it. Wonderfully written.
Thanks to NetGalley and She Writes Press for giving me an advance copy.

I wasn’t sure what to expect out of this book and at first I had a hard time getting into it but then it got good. The character development and the way it would switch between the different povs right when you thought you’d find something out kept you reading on. Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book.

This book was very engaging from page 1. It has me guessing the whole way through. Very gripping. Would love to read more from this author

This is a fantastic debut novel about fertility issues, mental illness and the complex family dynamics when dealing with these issues.

Billie is an adoption specialist who suffers with fertility issues and yearns for a baby of her own. She feels that her husband doesn’t want a child with the same desperation as she does. When Billie finds herself skirting the boundaries of right and wrong with a couple wanting to give up their child, she understands that she must do better.

At the same time, her husband, Tyler, is being stalked by a woman who seems to have some ulterior motives. This is beginning to damage his marriage as well as his job performance.

The two events culminate in a tension-filled ending that will have you scratching your head. This book is beautifully written, it is compelling and it is very suspenseful. Thank you, NetGalley and She Writes Press for the advanced copy.

Not Yours To Keep, Zelly Ruskin: A book really not like others I’ve read. This dives into the tribulations of women’s fertility and follows 3 main characters- Billie an adoption agency social worker struggling to conceive, her husband Tyler the attorney trying to make partner, and a third woman, Anne, via alternating POVs as the story unfolds and you learn how different elements and characters of the story all blend together. I read this book in one sitting and would definitely recommend. However, callouts for TW: Miscarriage, Ectopic Pregnancies, SA

It did start a little slow for me but I was also anxious to read about how the characters would all blend together. It had a good unique story line that kept me interested and the ending was great. I over all did enjoy this book and would for sure recommend to others!! Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

This book brought me in from the first chapter. The manner in which it was written is one I love, because I have to keep reading to figure out who has what story, and how they come together.
The characters were well developed. I'm not sure I liked them a great deal, but they were well written. Infertility, secrets, a stalker...lots of absorb in this one. Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for the opportunity to review this eARC. All opinions are my own.

Gripping read from the beginning. I wanted to continue reading about the characters. Well thought out story line and character development. Thanks to NetGalley for ARC.

A gripping read from the beginning. My need to find out how the stories collided kept me from being able to put this book down.
Characters were very relatable and the topic was something new in a genre that can be so repetitive. I think Ruskin brought a fresh level of familial suspense and drama that will keep readers intrigued. Definitely excited to see if she releases another book!

Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for the opportunity to review this eARC.

This was a quick read that kept me engaged. It is a mystery with some really emotional parts. I really felt for the characters of this story. It has a nice ending, but I was left still feeling sad for the one character that suffered the most. (Don’t want to spoil saying too much)

Thanks to Netgalley for this eArc for my review!

Not Yours to Keep by Zelly Ruskin
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 8 October 2024

Billie Campbell, an adoption specialist in Massachusetts, yearns to adopt a child while struggling with infertility. Her desire intensifies when she meets a pregnant client, pushing her ethical boundaries. Meanwhile, her husband Tyler harbours doubts about fatherhood and receives disturbing anonymous messages, adding strain to their relationship.

Across town, Anne, haunted by her past, fixates on reuniting with the child she gave up for adoption two decades ago and rekindling a lost romance. Her obsession sets her on a collision course with Billie's world.

The situation explodes when Billie's client's newborn vanishes, casting suspicion on Billie herself. As the investigation unfolds, Tyler discovers a shocking connection between his tormentor and the kidnapping. But before he can act, Billie disappears too.

With time running out, the search for Billie and the infant becomes a frantic race against the clock. Will they be found before it's too late, and what dark secrets will come to light in the process?

"Not Yours to Keep" is a remarkable debut that delves deep into the essence of family, exploring its complexities with compassion and profound insight. Ruskin's narrative skilfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and the intricate bonds that define our closest relationships. Through her captivating prose, readers are drawn into a world where the definition of family is constantly challenged and redefined.

The novel's gripping plot is a testament to Ruskin's storytelling prowess. As the characters navigate through adversity and unexpected turns, readers find themselves fully invested in their journeys. The author's ability to create multi-dimensional characters allows us to empathise with their struggles, hopes, and fears. This emotional connection keeps the pages turning as we root for their triumphs and feel the weight of their setbacks.

At its core, "Not Yours to Keep" is an exploration of hope's resilience in the face of life's most daunting challenges. Ruskin portrays how individuals cling to hope, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. This theme resonates throughout the narrative, offering readers a poignant reminder of the human spirit's strength.

The novel's pacing is masterful, building tension and suspense that propels the story towards its surprising conclusion. Ruskin demonstrates a remarkable talent for balancing edge-of-your-seat suspense with moments of quiet introspection and emotional depth. This equilibrium creates a rich, multifaceted reading experience that satisfies on multiple levels.

"Not Yours to Keep" appeals to a broad audience, offering something for those who appreciate both thrilling narratives and thoughtful explorations of human relationships. The book's ability to seamlessly blend genres – part family drama, part suspense thriller – showcases Ruskin's versatility as a writer.

Engrossing from start to finish, the novel combines elements of mystery, drama, and psychological insight. Ruskin's attention to detail in character development and plot construction results in a story that feels both authentic and compelling. The author's exploration of ethical dilemmas adds depth to the narrative, prompting readers to consider complex moral questions long after they've finished the book.

In conclusion, "Not Yours to Keep" stands out as a compelling and rewarding read. Ruskin's debut marks the arrival of a promising new voice in fiction, one that skilfully balances entertainment with thoughtful commentary on the human condition. This novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers, establishing Ruskin as an author to watch in the coming years.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, She Writes Press, and the author, Zelly Ruskin, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

This was a very engaging book. I enjoyed it from page one to the very last page. I think other readers will too. Pick this one up on publication day.