*****TRIGGER WARNING: Complex medical issues. searching for diagnoses, difficult family relationships, adoption, economic difficulty, difficult living situations, housing difficulty*****

Jo and Ben have two children. Molly and George. When George has a cough that won’t go away and really struggles to catch his breath, Jo assumes it’s asthma, which he already has. I was really concerned for George.

Molly and George are realistically portrayed. They’re only 7 and 5, and this is a lot for them to have to deal with. They are strong-willed, cute, fun, and caring. I think they are wise beyond their years. This made me feel for them more. Their relationship with their different grandmothers and how they get along with them or not is authentic.

I do think Jo is a very committed mother to them both, and that’s great to witness. Ben’s a good father. Jo was adopted. This is a theme in the story. I enjoyed how her birth mother, Barbara fit into the story. I felt for her because of her backstory. Further on in the story, I was shocked by her. I felt shocked by Jo, her adoptive mother, and Ben at various points throughout the story. I felt they all said some cruel things now and then. That was pretty true-to-life given the hard situations in the book.

There’s happiness, sadness, efforts to start over, and the mystery of George’s asthma diagnosis as well as his new diagnosis. I think Sheila Norton deals with that well, and keeps up the mystery and tension surrounding the family’s struggle to find out why he’s so unwell. She creates good awareness of them throughout the story. I felt curious as to what his final diagnosis might be, and she kept me guessing. I really like awareness of medical conditions being raised, as I think it helps us learn more about them.

There are some realistic moments related to frustration, sadness and life’s challenges for all the characters.

If I Lost You is relatable, raw, gripping and emotional. It shows the importance of family and how a health situation can affect a whole family, and not just the person who is diagnosed with it.
I think the title is perfect. I was searching for a deeper meaning to the title, and I found it. The novel isn’t just about George’s situation, it’s about the fear Jo has for her relationships with her adoptive, and birth, mothers. She’s a real fighter for the most part, but does have some moments of insecurity like we all do in life.

The question is, how far can she fight to help George while trying to keep every other aspect of her life together? There are many times I feared it would affect everything she has in life. The medical side of the plot, both for George and Barbara, is dealt with realistically. I felt the part about patient confidentiality was dealt with really well by her. I would have reacted in the same way, and actually have done in real life.

I felt hers, Ben’s, and Barbara’s, frustration with the NHS and the debate between public and private healthcare is so relevant and realistic. It was a good addition to the story. I identified with this, as well as with all the hospital visits and stays and with having complex medical issues.

Sheila does a great job of showing how each character is affected by George’s health situation, and of raising awareness of the condition itself. The doctors are realisticaly created.

Another heartwrenching novel by Sheila Norton I loved it. It’s one of my favorite books of this year so far. I found myself getting emotional more than once and it made me cry now and then, but also smile and root for the characters.

5 stars but it deserves more.It’s an outstanding and memorable book, and, for me, is another hit title from one of my favorite authors. Sheila Norton excels at heartwrenching, raw plots and realistic characters, as well as the portrayal of sensitive subjects in a gripping way.


Thanks to Sheila Norton and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

This book has so many emotions attached the storyline.

As a mum you are always ensuring that your child is healthy. But when a child suddenly isn’t, your instincts kick in and you want to make them better. But when your biological mum turns up, things change and you are more than willing to let her close even when your family is giving warning signals to you.

When a situation occurs the mums instinct kicks in again to ensure that your child comes back to you.

A twisting story that makes you keep your emotions in check.

IF I LOST YOU drew me in initially because I’m a boy mom and thought I could connect with Jo the mother and FMC. This is a tale of deception and manipulation, crafted to pull readers into Jo’s world and emotions. However, Jo herself proved difficult for me to relate to — her distrust of her seemingly reasonable husband and her unquestioning belief in Barbara felt frustratingly irrational. While the story aims to be immersive, its protagonist’s choices made it hard for me to fully connect. With all that being said, what made it frustrating for me did make for an entertaining read. Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC!

First, I want to thank Sheila Norton, Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.

WOW!! Sheila Norton wasted no time pulling on my heartstrings in her latest emotionally filled book If I Lost You! I just knew from the heart warming cover and the title that it was going to be a book I needed tissues for and well I was correct in that! If I Lost You captured my full attention in one sitting and loved every minute of it.

Sheila addresses some very important topics in her latest books that many of her readers may be able to relate to like adoption, meeting your birth mom, and the effects of how childhood asthma can affect the family dynamics.

I could totally relate to the George and Molly situation as I was in the same boat as they were growing up. Being in and out of Toronto Sick Kids Hospital due to my Hemidystrophy I was always taken out of school for the day to see the Orthopedist. I would get the attention because I was “special” and my other sisters didn’t at the time. So, I can understand where Molly was coming from in this story as I was the George in the storyline.

3.5

This was a story that engaged me immediately and I read it in one day. The premise was interesting. I was especially interested in the health issues of one of the characters - though it ended up being less a focus of the story than originally thought.

This was one of those stories where I was interested in the outcome even though I didn’t like any of the characters. I thought everyone behaved very badly. I couldn’t quite understand the behavior of anyone - except maybe the children.

The main female character in particular seemed so naive and I didn’t love her victim mentality even though many times the people around her were being reasonable and even when they were not a simple conversation could have solved some things. I do think I would have enjoyed the story even more if I had been able to connect with her a bit.

Overall, this is a quick sometimes tense story about a family on the edge of the breaking point. If you enjoy women’s fiction then you will enjoy this one. This is my second book by this author and I look forward to reading more of her work.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'If I Lost You' by Sheila Norton

The first thing I have got to say that if you are a fan of books by Jodi Picoult and Emma Robinson then I wouldn't bother reading any further because if you love them you will definitely love this stunning book that will pull at your heart strings and bring you out in tears!! This is yet another absolutely fantastically written book by the very talented Sheila! In this emotional rollercoaster ride we meet Jo and Ben who have 2 young children, Molly and George. George struggles with his asthma and Molly feels left out and jealous with all the attention that her brother is getting. Jo was adopted but has made contact with her birth mother Barbara. Barbara helps Jo with the children but also adds to Jo's already overstretched workload by demanding that Jo takes her out shopping and to her appointments. Things get even worse for Jo when her father has a heart attack, Jo ends up quitting her job but keeps it secret and George's health declines. Can Jo and Ben's family survive the stress they are all under? What will become of George? Can Barbara be trusted? Grab your copy of this incredible and emotive page-turner about friendship, motherhood, family, trust and so much more and get lost in the pages today. I can guarantee that you will not regret it and you can thank me later! I don't want to go into too many details as I don't want to give too much away but make sure you have the tissues at the ready as Sheila manages to make the tears flow and emotions run high. I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting as there was just no chance I was ever going to put it down until I found out what was going to happen! This storyline is rammed with emotions, secrets, heartache, trust, secrets, family, drama, twists and turns and so, so much more. I can promise you this will be a book that you will not be forgetting about anytime soon! I must say that, as a Mum myself, this was a very emotive story especially with the children being 7 and 5 years old as my twin boys are 7. One thing I will say is that I was NOT expecting THAT TWIST!! My jaw dropped to the floor so well done Sheila, again, on managing to completely shock me as it is getting harder and harder with every book I read but you certainly managed it! Sheila's evocative writing skills brings the story and characters to life around you making your heart beat faster and pulls on your heart strings. An absolutely fantastic thought provoking success from an extremely talented author and I can't wait to see what she comes out with next!

The characters are strong and realistic each with their individual and unique personalities, strengths, flaws and weaknesses. Jo is an absolutely outstanding character that Sheila clearly cares about along with the rest of her characters and she ensures that you really can see, feel and hear absolutely everything they are. I was completely invested in Jo and the whole family from the second I met them all the way until I closed the last page but they will stay with me long after. The dynamics in this storyline are so complex and absolutely rammed with emotions that you really do make sure you have tissues at the ready and a clear schedule before picking this book up. One moment I was rooting for a character and feeling sympathy for them and the next I felt differently and yet a moment later I was feeling something else but I wont go into any more details as I do not want to give anything away. Sheila's fantastic writing skills brings an emotive storyline to life ensuring the characters come to life and you feel everything along with them. I'm not going to say anymore about the characters as I don't want to let anything slip but Sheila really does do a fantastic job of making realistic and strong characters that come to life in front of the readers eyes and ones that will stay with me for a very long time so a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS SHEILA!

Clear your schedules and get the tissues ready as you wont be able to put this down!! Well done Sheila on an absolutely gorgeous emotional page turner and here's to your next success!! This is the exact reason that you are in my favourite authors club!

Overall an addictive rollercoaster ride of emotions that will keep you turning the pages and will leave you thinking about long after you have finished.

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Jo is becoming overwhelmed, as her young son, who is diagnosed with asthma, isn't getting better. Jo's daughter is having problems when she begins to feel left out, Jo is also overwhelmed because she has to take time off from work, to take her son to appointments and her boss is making it so difficult for her. Her husband and she are fighting, and she doesn't think anyone has her back. Then she discovers her biological mother wants to meet.
As I read the story, it felt like the author, Sheila Norton, was watching what would be happening after this, and it kept me reading. There were mistakes, there didn't seem to be much hope, but they kept on trying. I wondered if with all that was going on, the hurt, the not communicating, made me wonder if they would survive. I thought the story was about a mother who was trying to save her son, but it was so much more than that. I can't tell you anymore because I don't want to give anything away, but if you like books that you can feel the emotions, the despair, the feeling of being lost, and still trying not giving up to figure out how to make life turn itself around and get better, this book is for you.
I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley.

My thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘If I Lost You’ written by Sheila Norton in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

As Jo’s coping with five-year-old George’s wheezy breathlessness, her birth mother Barbara contacts her and although she says she wants to be part of their lives, her constant demands are driving a wedge between Jo and her husband Ben. Ben and Jo’s adoptive mother Liz feel there’s something not quite right with Barbara that Jo can’t or doesn’t want to see, then George’s condition worsens and Jo has to make some difficult decisions.

‘If I Lost You’ is a compelling story of a mother, the bond she has with her children and with her birth mother. It’s well-written, heart-breaking at times, and made me contemplate what I’d do should I be in the same unfortunate position as Jo. The character descriptions are excellent, especially as Jo and Ben’s relationship comes under attack, and her birth mother Barbara constantly makes demands while becoming more manipulative and spiteful if Jo doesn’t do what she wants. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading this thought-provoking novel that has a shocking final conclusion that had my heart thumping and made me read faster and faster, unable to stop until I’d reached the end. It deserves a huge five stars which I’m happy to give!

What a rollercoaster read this was. I read faster because I had to know how it was going to end but I didnt want it to end ! A five star read and a book I highly recommend
Many thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC

Jo is a mother with a sick little boy and a little girl who is feeling left out. I was captivated by the realistic storytelling and I felt so much emotion put into the words that it blew my mind. I enjoyed the drama plotted and was constantly surprised by twists. It's a thought provoking story that played on my mind and I would love to see it made into a movie as I believe it is so powerful that it has that potential. I could feel the characters frustration not just the parents but also the childrens because it is a hard enough situation for adults to cope with let alone a child. I feel satisfied with the ending but I love the book so much I would appreciate a sequel.

If I lost you - This is an amazing book, just buy it, and sit back and enjoy the ride. A massive five shiny stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jo is overwhelmed as her young son’s asthma worsens, her daughter feels neglected, and work pressures mount due to unsympathetic management. Struggling with marital tensions and feeling alone, she’s further shaken when her biological mother reaches out.

Sheila Norton’s storytelling kept me engaged, making me feel like I was watching events unfold in real time. The characters made mistakes, hope seemed distant, but they kept pushing forward. The novel isn’t just about a mother fighting for her son—it’s about resilience, family, and finding strength through hardship.

I won’t reveal more, but if you enjoy deeply emotional stories filled with struggle, despair, and perseverance, this book is a must-read.

Jo and Ben have two children, George age 5, and Molly age 7. George has been diagnosed with a severe case of asthma and it's only getting worse.

With the book title, along with part of the synopsis, and the bold quote "MY SON GEORGE IS EVERYTHING TO ME, BUT HE'S SLIPPING AWAY NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHY".
I was under the impression this story would be focusing on many doctor visits along with many tests ran, different meds, etc. to determine what was wrong with George. There were different meds, however we have three doctor visits, three!

The rest of the book is a soap opera!!! Drama after drama after drama!

The rest is my thoughts on the story, I don't think it has spoilers.

Sadly with George's condition Jo works a dead end job with a dead beat boss.

Ben, a teacher, who is concerned about George, but isn't putting much effort into the matter and expects Jo to handle more than her fair share. This is leading into constant arguing and putting a strain on their marriage.

Liz, Jo's mum, doesn't believe George's asthma is all that bad leading Jo to think her own mother thinks she's blowing it out of proportion for attention.

Barbara, Jo's biological mother, suddenly pops into the picture decades later and becomes Jo's "knight and shinning armor". Barbara isn't exactly being fair to the family by giving George 99% of her attention. It's getting to everybody, especially Molly with George loving it and teasing her it and other situations occur,

I'm obviously an odd man out with this book. But this book is repetitive and it makes it drag at times. Also Jo is naive!!! She would constantly tell herself the decision she was about to make was completely wrong, but she would do "it" anyway, time and time again!!!

The only character I liked in here was Harry, Jo's dad. Molly was somewhat liked, but those were times that her behavior was brought on by others.

Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Jo is struggling it’s her job and her son’s health. She then receives a letter from her birth mother whom she’s never met and she is thrown into a world of deceit.
This book was very addictive. Shelia Norton at her best bringing you on a journey of suspense and showing how families arnt always what they seem.
Fantastic

I couldn't put this down. I ended up reading this entire thing in a single day. There was so much going on in the family's life that I wasnt sure how the mom was going to get through everything. The mom was a highly relatable character and I really felt for her, even during her biggest mistakes. The whole story was a roller coaster ride that kept going higher and higher and higher before finally letting the reader breathe. Overall, it was fantastic. It wasn't perfect, but it certainly was engaging and captivating. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to the author and Rachel's Random Resources for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve read a couple of Shiela Noble books now and they’re always an enjoyable read.
When Jo gets a letter from her birth mother she is excited to meet her. Very quickly Jo is taken in by Barbera. Ben her husband is’nt comfortable from the start.
Jo has 2 children Molly 7 and George 5. Geaorge has always suffered from Asthma and when there is a chance it could be something worse Barbera steps in and starts to cause friction between Jo and Ben.
A good read with lots of twists and turns kept me reading on from start to finish.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an arc of this book.

Another fab book from Sheila. I don’t know how she does it. I love the characters she writes about, they could be any of my friends. Jo is trying to manage a family, a job and a new relationship with her birth mother. Her son is very poorly and the only person she feels supported by is this stranger who has come into her life. Does being a biological mother make you more than an adoptive mother? I loved the relationship between the children and how real it was. Sheila you have a wonderful skill of being able to bring your imagination to life and make everything so relatable.

When your family is everything why would you want more? The story is about a mum whose son is unwell. She juggles her work, her friends and family and is challenged by the arrival of her birth mother. A well written fast paced story about love, deception and manipulation.

I got this book through Netgalley for my honest review and I enjoyed it so much! I love books that tug at the heart strings and this one did just that. Told in the first person, Jo is dealing with so much. Her son is sick and no seems able to tell her what's wrong, the stress is putting a strain on her relationship with her husband and their slightly older daughter is acting up. To make matters worse Jo's boss doesn't understand all these family emergencies that keep cropping up and she's on the verge of losing her job. Just as her world seems to be in constant upheaval, her biological mother turns up and while Jo so badly wants a relationship with her something doesn't seem quite right. While Barbara rushes in to help and becomes invaluable to Jo, the insertion of Barbara into Jo's life also seems to drive Jo further away from everyone. This story made me feel all the things-- sadness and anxiety with Jo over her son, frustration at some of her choices, suspicion over Barbara and anger at the lack of support and slow moving cogs of the healthcare system. I didn't want to put it down until I knew how it ended!

so much going on here. so many emotions to contend with. they are all so well written that its not hard as a reader to feel them too.
being in the system with a sick child, not getting answers or waiting on answers must feel like agony. and we really felt for Jo the mother here. she was desperate. and you felt that both with her and for her. there is nothing you wouldnt do for your child but when you actually cant do anything other than sit and wait, whilst you child is suffering, must feel so very painful.
Jo also has other things to contend with aswell. the arrival of her birth mother on the scene. this brings up all the expected emotions and inner turmoil of trust or not to trust. there is also the matter that she is not quite sure of her mothers arrival and intentions. is there something else going on. or is the current emotional turmoil making her paranoid?
plus there is the shitty boss. and that doesn't end well.

so much for a family to contend with. so much uncertainty so much pain going on for one family. and you felt that oozing off the pages. it all just felt alot. especially for Jo. you both wanted to hug and shake her in eqaul measure at times.
a really good book. when i saw Jodi Picoult mentioned i knew i wanted to read this one. and it didnt disappoint with stiring similar bookish emotions from me.