A heartbreaking, utterly gripping story of a stolen childhood and a mother who never stopped hoping by USA Today bestseller Rachel Wesson.

Dublin, 1971. Eight-year-old Thomas O’Neill learns from the boys on his street what nobody at home will say aloud: the woman who tucks him in at night is not his real mother. He was born in a mother-and-baby home in Wexford, and the only trace of where he came from is a faded photograph of himself as a sleeping toddler, one small fist raised, as if protesting the world even in his sleep.

Thomas clings to that photograph as everything else is taken from him. A loving home gives way to an industrial school ruled by the Brothers, then a lonely boat to London with nothing to his name. A boy the country would rather forget, holding onto the one clue to who he really is.

Fifty years later, Kate O’Sullivan has spent her whole life as a solicitor fighting for the survivors of Ireland’s institutions—caring for everyone’s lost child but her own. But her friend, private investigator Caitlin, isn’t about to let her give up hope. Together, they’ll find Kate’s little boy. Together, they’ll right the wrong done to him, and to her—if it takes everything they’ve got.

Kate must finally face the question she has run from her entire life: whatever became of the son she was made to give away?

Inspired by the true history of Ireland’s Magdalene laundries and industrial schools, this unforgettable, emotionally devastating page-turner is perfect for readers of Jean Grainger, Rhys Bowen and Ellen Marie Wiseman.

Book 3 of The Irish Orphans Series. Each book can be read on its own.

Perfect for readers who love:

- Dual-timeline sagas that weave a buried past into the present day

- The truth about Ireland's mother-and-baby homes

- A long-lost child and a mother's search for the truth

- Emotional, tissues-required family drama with an uplifting, hopeful ending

- Ordinary people finding the courage to stand up to powerful institutions

Readers are loving Rachel Wesson’s new series:

“Wow this book was so beautifully written! Loved it!… If you love historical fiction, this book is perfect and completely heartbreaking. You will not forget this…” Reader review, 5 stars

“Beautifully written and deeply moving… completely drew me in from the very first page. The characters felt so real… A memorable and emotional read that will stay with me.” Reader review, 5 stars

“An intelligent and enthralling read – don’t forget the tissues!” Reader review, 5 stars

“A captivating and must-turn-a-new-page-again-and-again-until-oops-I-found-myself-at-the-end kind of read… full of history. Full of moments that never should be forgotten.” Reader review, 5 stars

“What an emotional rollercoaster of a read! Ensure there are tissues at the ready… You can feel the passion running through this book.” Reader review, 5 stars

“Once I started, I couldn't put it down… This book really affected me, and I strongly recommend a supply of tissues. This is wonderful historical fiction.” Reader review, 5 stars