The Secret Daughter is a heart-wrenching novel that takes place during the 1970s, in Australia, when force adoptions were acceptable. This book reads like a powerful memoir, compelling, absorbing, and unforgettable. Lilly was sixteen when she was sent away to a Maternity home for unwed mothers; a place where she was forced, to stay and work, until her baby was born. When Lilly first arrived, she had no idea that she wouldn’t be leaving with her baby. When she discovered the truth, Lilly was horrified. Her love letters to James, the father of her unborn child, went from being heartwarming to heartbreaking. Lilly pleaded with James to take her out of the maternity home before it was too late. I was completely engrossed in this story from the very first page. The book fast-forwards to 2012, when Lilly’s lost child, Sabina, discovers that she is pregnant. Sabina’s dad is ecstatic about being a grandfather, but her mother, Megan, is not. Sabina couldn’t understand why her mother wasn’t happy for her. It wasn’t until the truth of her birth and adoption was revealed to her that Sabrina understood. Sabina’s parents tried to convince their daughter that they didn’t know who her birth mother was. Sabina felt strongly, however, that her parents were lying. But why? What kind of ugly secret could they possibly be hiding? When the truth was exposed, Sabina was horrified. It was worse than she’d ever imagined. The Secret Daughter is a well-written moving novel, touching as well as heart-wrenching. It’s a powerful, emotional story, and one that I won’t forget for a very long time.

I just finished reading “Secret Daughter.” It was my first book by Kelly Rimmer, but it will not be my last! It was well written and drew me in on the first page. I loved how the chapters alternated between Lilly and Sabina and then Megan and Sabina. The story came together perfectly. I became angry with several characters, but at the end was only angry with one minor character. And I loved how one major character finally stood up for herself. I will recommend this book to all of my friends! My only regret is that I hadn’t read this book until now. I just retired for my position as a school librarian, and if I had read it earlier, I would have purchased it for the HS Library and recommended it to my colleagues and HS girls! It truly is a wonderful book.

The book was good but dragged in places. Too much whining without doing much about trying to find her daughter years later.

A sad read, but very good

Written very well. I’ve known a couple of people who were adopted, and even a couple who were forced to give their babies up. However, when there were reunions they didn’t go as well as Sabina’s did.

Fell in love with the characters in this book. Such a warm and compassionate story full of heartache, love and healing.

I couldn't put this book down. Currently looking on IBooks for more books by the same author.

This was a beautiful story of heartbreak and love. I couldn't put it down.

This book is amazing and very well written!! It's heartbreaking at times!! Be prepared to have tissues handy! I highly recommend this book!