The Child We Lost: The BRAND NEW heartbreaking family drama from Sheila Norton for 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This has to be one of my best reads for 2026' Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Possibly one of the best books I have ever read' Reader review

She pouts, looking upset, and I want nothing more than to kiss her better and say 'All right then, yes. Perhaps he can come back, perhaps he will, perhaps he has!' But I can’t. I know I can’t lie to her about this...

The day we lost Josh, a part of me broke. He was only three-and-a-half years old. His twin, Ruby, suddenly an only child.

We thought we were doing as well as expected. But when Ruby comes to me and says she saw Josh – alive – I assume she’s struggling more than we realised. It’s her way of holding on. Of refusing to let go.

But then I see him too.

A boy with Josh’s same pale blue eyes, the silvery-white hair that falls across his forehead in exactly the same way. It’s more than a similarity. This boy could be Josh’s twin.

How can that be possible?

I know I have to listen to my rational brain, that this must be my grief messing with my mind. But I can’t let go of the feeling that something is going on. Who is this boy? And does someone know more than they’re letting on?

A gripping, emotional page-turner about loss, love and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.

'a well-written and intriguing family drama that kept me guessing until the end. The plot was pacy and storylines all weaved together into a powerful climax' Caroline Finnerty

'An absolute brilliant book ... I just couldn’t stop reading it until the very last page, so many twists ... This has to be one of my best reads for 2026' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

'I absolutely adored this book, what a heartbreaking story and so well told. Couldn’t put it down. Possibly one of the best books I have ever read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

'This is an amazing book: emotional, gripping, and impossible to put down. If you love powerful family dramas with secrets at their core, this one is an absolute must-read.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

'This book captivated me from beginning to end. A smile, wiping away a tear, and repeat. A wonderful book. 5 stars from a big fan.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

'It's emotional but also warmhearted and beautifully written' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

'I knew this book would be an emotional gripping read and it didn’t let me down! I was hooked from the beginning and had so many theories not guessing till the end! This is a fab book and a highly recommended read!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review