JillIan and Malcolm Reed are struggling to make ends meet, Jillian is working a low end job while caring for her mother and infant daughter, Malcolm has recently been laid off from his job and with no success in finding A new one, things are getting worse day by day. Jillian is trying hard to support her family and her husband’s dreams of developing a app that he feels could change their lives when she receives some startling news that will forever change her and her family’s life.

The Stolen Daughter gripped me from the beginning and I just had to find out how things were going to play out. I went through quite a few emotions in this book. Malcolm really shocked me how he acted I really felt like he was all for his needs and not the family. I understand where he was coming from but I don’t feel like he should have asked her to do things he was not willing to do himself. I was delighted with the choices Jillian made because that could of ended up a whole different way.

A good summer read about a woman who discovers she was abducted as a child. Although it is a serious subject, the book never gets too dramatic even as it explores all of the different aspects of how this discovery impacts everyone's lives.
Jillian Reed's mother has Alzheimer's and has been making comments about people coming to get Jill and such. When Jill discovers she might be an abducted child with a whole different family she is torn. Her new family is quite wealthy and she and her husband are struggling financially. When she finds out the price for financial security is to renounce her "mother", Jill is conflicted.
I thought the story stayed fairly reality based in terms of Jill's dilemma. Some of the characters were a it over the top but never too much. I enjoyed the book.

This is an absolutely devastating story about power and family. Jillian is raised by a single mother, Connie. Connie made Jill the centre of her world. When early dementia sets in, Connie talks about a different life, but Jill ignores it until she hears a life turning secret from a stranger!! This is a poignant story of mother’s past secret and daughter’s future!

I cant believe this is my first read from the author who she has written over 50 books!! Why am I not seeing more of her books here?? Beautifully written page turner, that made me think of the choices made by the characters from different angles. I didn’t expect an emotional roller coaster when I started to read this. The marvel of human emotions is embedded in the story. I cannot shake myself from the story and the characters. Everyone needs to read this book in their life.

4.5/5

Thank you Netgalley, ReShonda Tate Billingsley and Kensington books for the ARC.

3.5 stars. This book was a nice easy read that was filled with a lot of emotion. I enjoyed it but I wouldn’t say it was one of my favorite books. The storyline was interesting but a little far fetched at times. I did like most of the characters. I have to say that the story REALLY makes you wonder how you would feel/react to finding out your whole life was a lie and that your mother wasn’t actually your mother but the person who kidnapped you. How would you be expected to immediately love this “new” family and leave behind the only person who raised you? I think it was interesting to read how Jill’s new family lived a completely different lifestyle that Jill and her mother lived....but I wonder if maybe the book would have been slightly better if the new family was just an average family...not extremely wealthy. Would she have been willing to accept this new family if they weren’t able to give her everything she’s ever dreamed of? I would definitely recommend this one if you’re looking for a fast paced book. One that will get your mind wondering, how would you handle finding out that you are a “stolen daughter”? Did Jill fully accept her new found family? And did she forgive the only mother she ever knew for lying to her? You’ll have to read it to find out! :)

Thank you to Net Galley and Kensington Books for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Jill is the beloved only child of widowed mum Connie, married to Phillip and has an eight-month-old baby called named Destiny – which is ironic in its own way to this story. Jill has almost no family to speak of and is working a low-end job to make ends meet as her husband tries to find gainful employment and the ends of the rope do not stretch far enough, leaving the couple struggling financially. Add to the stress Connie living with them because of being diagnosed with early-onset dementia which is stealing her mind faster than anyone could have imagined, with strange statements coming from her on a regular basis, such as her father being rich and her family wanting her back, which makes no sense whatsoever. Until the day when a regular customer Major Logan makes a declaration that floors Jill… she is, he believes, his daughter that was kidnapped when she was a few months old. Major and Mrs Logan are the dream scenario – they are wealthy beyond words, have no other children and desperately want Jill back. Perhaps even more shocking, DNA testing reveals that the claim is true, Jill is the biological daughter of Logan and his wife, which leaves the question, how did Connie end up Jill’s mum, and what does this all mean for Jill’s future?

This is the premise of this story, labelled general fiction, with the added assertion that this is women’s fiction, perhaps because the lead character is a woman and how else is a book by a female author meant to be labelled but women’s fiction? Humph. Slight digression. This novel explores the idea that we have all had, what if all my troubles could be wiped away because my real parents come in and scoop me out of the dismal situation that I’m in and give me the life I was always supposed to live, the life I was destined to, the life I was entitled to? Because who hasn’t, when the finances don’t stretch far enough, dreamed of such a daydream?

This story was interesting in that it explores the reasons behind the choices made, the consequences and the possibilities for the future. Jill is in the position of becoming a real-life Cinderella if she is willing to live according to the rules and stipulations made by her birth family, but that entails walking away from the woman who raised her forever. Something that her no-hoper husband is all for, as the caring for Connie is nothing but a burden that he can wash his hands of forever according to the behaviour of the husband. And as the story unrolls, Cinderella’s perfect family turn out to be not so perfect, with racism lying at the heart of the family, which is neither acknowledged or challenged until Jill, a bi-racial child is faced with having to defend herself and the life of her baby, with no support from anyone else.

This novel is harmless make-believe, perfect for a beach read. It is a little unrealistic; the two sides that are pitched against each other are too diametrically opposed to each other. Finding a birth family is never all roses and rainbows, nor is it the darkness suggested in this novel. It's not going to leave the reader emotionally charged or changed. It is an easy to read story, nothing more, nothing less.

What do you do when your life changes suddenly? You are not who you thought you were, everything has changed. Jill Reed is left with that reality. Her mom is suffering from dementia; therefore, she can't trust that she will get the answers that she needs. The impacts to her life can benefit her young, budding family in so many ways, but she has to navigate through these changes without betraying the ones she love.

ReShonda Tate Billingsley is an awesome storyteller with a deep imagination that she spins with written word. This book is a page-turner and will tug at your heart. This is a great read that challenges the boundaries of family, marriage and race. Readers will definitely enjoy.

Jill's husband has lost his job and they are struggling to make ends meet. They have a young daughter to support as well at Jill's mom, Connie, who has recently moved in with them. Connie, sadly, is suffering from early signs of dementia. It is becoming more and more difficult to care for her and it is causing strain in their marriage as well as issues with Jill's job at Starbucks. One day, a recently regular customer approaches Jill and her life is thrown upside-down.

This book was a quick read and definitely kept my interest the whole time. The only character I felt badly for was Jill. I wasn't sure how I felt about Connie, but I didn't necessarily sympathize with her. I wish Malcolm's character had been a bit more likeable, I found myself annoyed with him often.
There were moments in the story that didn't make sense and/or left me confused. For example, it is mentioned that Connie and the baby are left with a sitter when Jill and Malcolm go out. However then they are called by the police because Connie had an episode. Where was the sitter? Why was this not mentioned??
<spoiler>Also, if Connie had changed her name, why did Aunt Marilyn know nothing about it? I mean, if she was named Virginia and then all of a sudden uses the name Connie, wouldn't that be something worth mentioning</spoiler>

Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend it. Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the ARC of this book.

Fast and easy read. Actual rating is 2 stars but I am increasing to 3. I realize this author has many books to her credit and has a huge following. This was my first book by her. But, this book was not my cup of tea.

It is about a child kidnapping that comes to light when the child is in her 20s. Much of it was just too unrealistic. I don't always need realism because I read to be entertained. But, part of the plot was beyond my belief.

The book is good if you need a quick read (plane trip, lying on the beach) without requiring a lot of concentration.
I wish I had been able to like it more.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for a review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.

Jill' is struggling with all the changes in her life. Her husband's lost his job, a new baby, and her mother has dementia and is living with her family. Little by little, Jill's mother, Connie, is losing her grip on here and now. When she starts saying odd things about not having a daughter, and other things, Jill writes it off to dementia, but what if there was truth to her mother's words?

This book is about what it means to be a mother, and the different paths a life can take. It's a great premise, and I enjoyed it. There were times I felt the novel was a little rushed or not fully developed, but overall, I enjoyed it.

Reminiscent of Her Stolen Past (by Lynette Eason), The Stolen Daughter takes an age-old storyline and adds a twist.

This character-driven family drama was intensely engaging and impossible to put down.

Highly recommended to fans of family saga and Lifetime Movie-like dramatic fiction.

Well written with a good plot. A touch of mystery. Not really my type of book. I received an arc from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

In the opening chapters I found this story was kind of depressing and wasn't sure if I was going like it or be able to finish it. BUT, I did finish it and have to say that it was a very well written story. It had plenty of emotion and hurdles to overcome along with strong main characters and supporting ones too.

I really liked Jill. And oh boy, what a load she was carrying. And that was even before this shocking secret came into view. I have to say her husband Malcolm was not someone that I liked that much though. It seemed like he talked a good game but often he wasn't much help when it came to lifting any of the load off Jill. He seemed to be pretty self-absorbed. He would complain about a situation but I wasn't really seeing him doing all that much to correct it. Then he would go and do something slightly helpful or thoughtful and that helped. But most of the time I was waiting and watching to see if he was going to turn on Jill for money. You'll have to read it for yourself to see if that happens or if he turns out to be a stand up kind of guy.
Philip is Jill's newly found cousin and I would have liked to have seen a bit more done for him.
Things come to an interesting conclusion with Jill refusing to bend to pressure. She refuses to let her daughter Destiny (and herself) be forced into something she doesn't want. She doesn't just stand back and allow things to happen. She becomes braver than she knew she could be. Changes will be made and she helps make sure those changes happen.

"I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

#TheStolenDaughter#HerBalist
First book by this author but it will not be my last. Jillian Reed is in a tough place in her life as her husband is unemployed, she has a infant daughter, and her mom Connie comes to live with them and has early onset dementia. Jillian works at a Starbucks coffee shop. A older man has been coming in a alot lately. Jillians mom Connie Connie has been mumbling and saying things that are not making any sense about their life. The older gentleman comes in to Starbucks and asks her to come outside and meet his wife. Jillian begins to question her life with her mother. Will she find out her life wasn't what she thought it was? Secrets begin to be found out. What is real and what isn't? How will this change her life ? I thank Net Galley for letting me read this book and review it.

First off- no spoilers! This is a page turner that, while you will know the secret early on, still keeps you reading because of the characters, plotting, and writing. Jill's been having a tough time lately both financially and emotionally. Her husband is unemployed, she's got a baby daughter, and her mom Connie has dementia. How would you feel if you heard your mom say something that doesn't make sense and you can't work her back for more information? That's what happens to Jill. And then a man turns up and tells her a story. Jill's life is changed forever but how---that's for you to read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good one.

Thank you net galley for providing me this eBook in exchange for a fair an honest review.

I DEVOURED this book. I have been in a slump lately and this one had me starting fires with page turning.

I was so emotionally connected to Jill and Connie and their story. That time where child takes care of mother. On top of everyday stresses during Connie's munblings a life changing piece of of information is uncovered.

There is a hint of mystery to keep you guessing.

Thank you to Kensington Books and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. First, I would like to say that I really liked this book. Even though ReShonda Tate Billingsley has written a lot of books, this is the first book I have read from this author.
Jill Reed is a young woman raising her own little family. Her mother, Connie, is suffering from dementia so she comes to live with Jill and her family. Everything is fine, but then some strange things begin to happen-Connie starts talking about another life and a strange man comes to Jill and says he is her father. What's going on? This is the story of how Jill figures out the truth and comes to terms what it. Great read! I couldn't wait to find out what happened next! Highly recommend!

Secrets always come out. They don't hide forever and when they come out be prepared for the consequences. What would you do if the life you knew was one big fat lie. Thats what Jill is dealing with in this book. she grew up believing one thing and when the truth comes out. Its beyond shocking. This book was wonderfully written. The relationship between the characters seemed so real. This book has something for everyone. From dealing with a sick parent to secrets and lies. I can't wait to read what's next.

Imagine after living for nearly 30 years, you suspect your life as you know it is a lie! Jillian Reed grew up in a very loving home with a mother who LOVED her dearly. What they didn't have monetarily, they had in love. Jill, along with her husband, her infant daughter, and her mother, who is suffering from early onset dimentia, are struggling financially. Her husband has dreamed of creating an app since she met him years ago. He recently lost his job. To help out Jillian works at the local Starbucks. One day at work, Jillian's approached by a strange man who has the potential to change her life. This story was gripping from the beginning. Billingsley finds a way to pull you in and make you think about things from all different sides, forcing you to make some hard decisions. This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster, but in the end you will understand things from each of the characters' perspectives.

Phenomenal! It has been awhile since I have give a 5 star review. Kudos to Reshonda Tate Billingsley for a well written, heart string tugging, imaginary pearl clutching read. This book is mixed with love, lies, betrayal, and redemption. This set of characters are as real as characters can get and the issues they face are prevalent in today’s society. This book takes you up and down on an emotional rollercoaster. Anxious going up, afraid going down, thrilled at the twists & turns, then full of joy when the ride is over.

The title, The Stolen Daughter, speaks volumes about the content between the pages. Imagine your existence becoming a mystery after 30 years of living. Jillian “Jill” Reed’s life starts spinning out of control after an encounter with a regular customer at her local Starbucks. Could it be that she’s not who she was raised to be? If so, who is she and who does she belong to. Jill’s journey for the truth unveils lots of hurt, anger, bitterness, upsets, disappointments, revenge, and rewards. This book is a certified page turner that any reader is sure to enjoy.

I hadn’t read a synopsis of what this book would be about before I read it, though the title of course suggested something untoward would definitely happen. On the strength of the author’s name alone, I dug in.

At it’s core, this book is about a family with secrets. Two families. And big secrets. And how those secrets are dealt with. There are a couple of unanticipated twists that led to a bit of excitement in the book, but even with those I have to be honest in saying that this wasn’t my favorite book by this author—whose work I generally enjoy. The plot seemed quite a bit contrived. And the naïveté and...simpleness of the protagonist was worrisome. I feel like this book wrapped up things too neatly—and too quickly. A bit more character development and perhaps a bit more background story would’ve given this book the girth and solid underpinning that it needed. I will definitely keep reading books by this author, but I can’t say that I enjoyed this one.