I really enjoyed this book, it was well paced with a good storyline and well developed characters. I was gripped right from the start and I couldnt put it down I had to know what the secret was and how it played out. There were sensitive issues in the book that were dealt with very well. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more by this author.

Deep characterisation and psychology of all the characters sucks us into their worlds with empathy and a sense of caring for each of the characters which is quite a feat.. Plausible, could happen to any of us. Lots of unexpected twists. A great read - riveting from cover to cover and explores many topics that warrant a book club style debate ranging from whether parents can stop what at first sight seems like an "insignificant" event in their child's early life from dominating their character formation, to whether or not a famous name shapes someone's character and what white lies are ok if any in a relationship. I will be suggesting this book at my book club.

A really great read. When Emma disappears from home her parents are devastated and they struggle with their grief of losing their daughter. The story has lots of depths and some interesting characters who blend well into the story. It involves two families who are both facing difficulties and there are plenty of issues from all thier pasts that have to be resolved before they can finally find happiness .I enjoyed this story and really recommend it

A really good read! Well-drawn characters who one gets to know (and like) early in the novel - I found I really cared about what happened to them. Themes explore what it means to feel incomplete and the power of feeling needed in healing emotional wounds. I will definitely be recommending this book to friends and family.

I couldn't put it down! A really absorbing and compelling read, that gets you quickly involved with the characters. Two couples, of different generations, whose lives become entangled for reasons that are partly hidden. A young woman in danger, fighting her demons, and struggling to emerge whole into adulthood, after loss and trauma. Secrets. Places of refuge. All really well woven together in a pacy plot that keeps the pages turning, while never sacrificing depth or richness. An insightful and perceptive book that is not only hugely enjoyable, but that makes you stop and think about the issues it raises long after you have finished it. Highly recommended!
#TheShadowChild #NetGalley

I very much enjoyed this novel. It had such tenderness for its characters on their journeys, bravely tackling the challenges and mysteries family relations. Their voices were so clear, and sincerely expressed, I felt I really got inside their heads. As a mother, I related very strongly to the main mother, Cath, but was also moved by the younger women also caught up in wanting babies and making babies. Along this central axis move children and men, all of whom feel very true to life. Hancox does not shy away from their inner world, however complex. All have real, human failings and weaknesses. There is a lovely pace to the story-telling, with more contemplative passages in the middle gradually giving way to a younger, faster plot. The denouement moved me to tears.

A great book about people and their relationships.

The two main female characters are relatable and I really enjoyed getting an insight in to their lives.

The story is told really beautifully told and the mystery element is told slowly and keeps you gripped.

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me gripped all the way through and I could feel what the family were experiencing. A dark story but, not the sort of story that made me uncomfortable. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Such an emotional read. The author brilliantly weaves different people's stories, with many tear inducing moments along the way, to a satisfactory ending.