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The Girl You Gave Away

Written by: Jess Ryder
Narrated by: Annette Chown,Rosamund Hine
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Publisher's Summary

An absolutely gripping psychological thriller

All she wanted was the life they had....

It is the day of Erin’s 40th birthday party. Pink and silver balloons drift through her garden, the platters of food are empty, and the recycling is overflowing with empty wine bottles. 

As Erin mingles with groups of family and friends, surrounded by love and laughter, she feels like the luckiest woman alive. She has no idea what fate has in store....

Then a little red envelope lands on the doormat and everything changes. 

Inside is a birthday card from somebody she never dreamed would get in touch. Its message is a chilling reminder of the dark past that Erin has worked so hard to bury, a past that could put her precious family in terrible danger....

A gripping, spine-chilling listen brimming with secrets and lies. If you loved The Girl on the Train or The Woman in the Window then this dark, twisting psychological thriller from best-selling author Jess Ryder is guaranteed to have you gripped.

©2020 Jess Ryder (P)2020 Bookouture

What listeners say about The Girl You Gave Away

Average Customer Ratings
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    2 out of 5 stars
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Not my favourite.

Based on the few reviews I read, I thought this would be a good book. I thought it was going to be decent when it first started out, but as all of the main characters were introduced, I found I really didn't like anyone. Not Erin, the protagonist, her husband her kids, Erin's parents; Erin's friends, or the daughter she gave up for adoption. I really disliked Erin and her poor decision making as an adult; keeping her adoptive daughter a secret once she had made contact with Erin and then agreeing to do something to keep her quiet.
Everyone's reactions were over the top when finding out Erin had a baby when she was 14. The ending was tied up with a neat little bow after what happened to one of the characters.

1 person found this helpful

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Good Book but ending didn't satisfy

Was very intrigued but at the end everything was left unfilled. wish there would have been an extra chapter to complete the storyline

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Could not get into this book

I tried to get into this book but it was a combination of the narrator and storyline going absolutely no where that kept stopping me.

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Recommend

I enjoyed this novel.

Any book that has me coming back to read and see what’s next, has my full support.

It was my first time reading this author and her tale of mother and child reuniting made for quite a story.

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Illuminating and a fantastic story that I highly recommend

I don’t want to give any spoilers so I will say that this was one of the most informative accounts of a particular subject area that is so often misunderstood on so many levels. Great story as well. Keeps you guessing.

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Weird Story....

Struggling to say I enjoyed it...
Narrator a bit of a distraction.
Overall a C+

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  • JWS48
  • 2020-05-14

How did this book get such good review!

I don't usually review books but after finishing this one I must. Some comments might be considered spoilers--though this book can't be spoiled.

First the basic premise of the book is just stupid. A 14 yo girl makes poor choices and years later her loving husband, when he finds out, can't even stand the sight of her. Come on. I could maybe believe it if he found out she was a murderer. Her son is so distraught by the news that he changes his life goals and plans. All so unbelievable.

The daughter that was given away is supposed to be affected by fetal alcohol syndrome but she seems to have amazing capacities and insights into her own problems.

Twists and turns in the past and present day are not bad but can't make up for the poor basic premise of the book.

Also, the basic plot is so sexist. Erin makes the mistake. Erin is fully to blame. Husband blames the women (really the girl). Only Erin and the adopted daughter finally want to confront and punish the sperm donor and do it in so outlandish/unbelievable way.

Would not recommend. Thought about getting my money back but as I did listen to the whole book I didn't feel right about it.

12 people found this helpful

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  • Marisa
  • 2020-03-22

Excellent suspense thriller!

I loved this book. It's definitely a stay-up-late, can't-turn-off audiobook! Great plot, unique, with interesting characters and excellent narration. Highly recommended!

11 people found this helpful

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  • Heather MacDonald
  • 2020-04-27

Completely Ridiculous

Don't waste your time or money on this book. It keeps you going until the end and then boom! The worst story line I have ever heard. I can't believe it was published!

10 people found this helpful

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  • Joyce Lareau
  • 2020-04-09

Great Listen

This book was very interesting all the way through. I loved how the author really let us know what Fetal Alcohol Syndrome does to a person as far as childhood development goes and adult behaviors. Kept me interested all the way through. Loved Erin's character flaws and all. Definitely recommend this book!

6 people found this helpful

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  • Anonymous User
  • 2020-05-16

Completely predictable!

I’m so tired of reading about stupid women! The main character is tedious and annoying. Someone please write a story in which the plot line is not dependent upon a weak and idiotic woman. This character is not relatable, nor did I root for her. Her character development is inconsistent and chaotic making her totally unbelievable. And don’t even get me started on the Tom character or the ill-conceived, “happily ever after” ending.

4 people found this helpful

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  • kiki
  • 2020-04-10

Sucked in from the get-go

I loved every second of it. The way the story unfolded and the twists and turns was genius!!

4 people found this helpful

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  • Stephanie
  • 2020-04-22

WOW! JUST WOW

This book was amazing from beginning to end. I wasn't expecting that ending at all! Worth every penny or credit.

3 people found this helpful

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  • JenniferLOVESThrillers
  • 2020-05-20

Very Unlikable Characters

No Spoilers!!!

I had a hard time liking or caring about anyone in this book. I think it was a decent mystery, but the outcomes were totally unrealistic. This book is not a thriller, it's more of a family drama. It held my attention but barely.

2 people found this helpful

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  • Mel W
  • 2022-07-05

Good development

Enjoyed the story and people connection. Some repeating of character traits but interesting overall. I would read another book by this author

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  • Amy Adams
  • 2022-05-23

I was definitely gripped!

I normally read/listen to history books or historical novels, but wanted to take a break and this book was an Audible Prime freebie that sounded interesting. It was a great read & actually gave me some insight into a few folks I know (know one quite this bizarre).

Jess Ryder is a very good writer and will probably listen to her books the next time I need a break from the throngs of history. 🤣