Those children are our life, Rachel. You can’t take them from us. And I will not stop until they are back where they belong, with their blood family!When Rachel met handsome Irish widower Lorcan it was a whirlwind romance. Her family back home thought it would never last. But it did, and they were so happy. Bringing up two stepchildren hadnt been in her life plan, but she loved them like her own. Shed say to them even though you didnt grow in my tummy, you grew in my heart, and theyd all laugh together. Their little family wasnt quite the same as everyone elses, but it was beautiful, it was happy, it was home.Until now. When Lorcan dies in a tragic accident, Rachels world collapses in an instant. She knows she has to be strong for her stepchildren. But given the chance to move back to the country she grew up in, she wonders if it could be the new start they need.However, she doesnt count on the childrens own grandparents. Their blood relations, who say Rachel isnt their real mother, and so cant take them away from Ireland. Who say they wont let her.As Rachel finds herself fighting against the only people who might love the children as much she does, everyone will have to ask what makes a parent? What makes a home? And with whom do the children of her heart have a future?An utterly unmissable and powerful story about families, love and heartbreak, perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, Maeve Binchy and Jodi Picoult.
Dive into the heart-wrenching and ultimately uplifting world of "A Mother's Heart" by bestselling Irish author Carmel Harrington. This emotionally resonant novel explores the complex bonds of family, the enduring power of love, and the devastating impact of loss. When Rachel's whirlwind romance with Lorcan, a widowed Irishman, blossoms into a loving marriage, she embraces her role as a stepmother to his two children with open arms. Their unconventional family thrives on laughter, love, and the unwavering belief that home is where the heart is. Rachel cherishes her stepchildren, reaffirming her love by telling them "even though you didnt grow in my tummy, you grew in my heart". But their idyllic world shatters when tragedy strikes, and Lorcan is suddenly taken from them. Grief-stricken, Rachel finds herself at a crossroads. Faced with the opportunity for a fresh start back in her home country, she contemplates moving with the children, hoping to rebuild their lives amidst familiar surroundings. However, her plans are met with fierce opposition from Lorcan's parents, the children's paternal grandparents. They challenge Rachel's right to take the children away from their Irish heritage, arguing that as their blood relatives, they are the rightful guardians and Rachel isn't their "real mother." Suddenly, Rachel finds herself embroiled in a bitter custody battle, fighting for the children she loves as her own against the very people who arguably care for them as much as she does. "A Mother's Heart" delves deep into the questions of what truly defines a parent, what constitutes a home, and where the future lies for the children caught in the crossfire. Carmel Harrington, known for her emotionally charged narratives and relatable characters, delivers a powerful story that will resonate with readers long after the final page is turned. Prepare to be moved by Rachel's unwavering determination, the children's resilience, and the complexities of navigating grief and family dynamics. Perfect for fans of authors like Jojo Moyes, Maeve Binchy, and Jodi Picoult, "A Mother's Heart" is an unmissable exploration of love, loss, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. This book will make you question your assumptions about family, and remind you that love is what truly matters. Readers describe it as a poignant and compelling read, full of heart and hope. Prepare to shed a tear, but ultimately be uplifted by the power of love and the unbreakable bonds that tie families together. Don't miss this unforgettable novel from a beloved storyteller.