Claiming Noah

Amanda Ortlepp

Jul 2016 · Sold by Center Street

About this eBook

This riveting debut novel of psychological suspense explores the dilemmas that arise when motherhood and science collide.

Catriona Sinclair has always had a well-developed sense of independence--in fact the one sore point in her otherwise happy marriage is her husband James's desire to take care of her. As she's often tried to explain to him, she took care of herself before she met him, and did a good job of it. But James has been especially attentive lately as they struggle to have a baby. They succeed at last through in vitro fertilization, but unwilling to risk the heartbreak of another miscarriage, they decide to make their "spare" frozen embryo available to another family.

Diana and Liam Simmons are desperate for a child. Unable to conceive, they are overjoyed to learn that as the closest genetic match to the Sinclairs they are the recipients of the embryo donation. Diana's only concern is her mother's disapproval of IVF, but any doubts raised are quickly eclipsed by Diana's joy of being pregnant.

As Diana is finding delight in every aspect of motherhood, Catriona keeps waiting for the rush of adoration she knows she is supposed to feel, but instead slips into a deep depression. Just as Catriona begins to find her way back to normalcy, one of the babies is kidnapped. Suddenly, all of their lives begin to unravel and intertwine, and none of them will ever be the same.

Ratings and reviews

Claiming Noah by Amanda Ortlepp is a compelling novel set in Sydney, Australia. Catriona Sinclair is married to James. James has always wanted children and finally convinced Catriona to have a baby. Unfortunately, they cannot conceive naturally. They are led down the road of tests and eventually IVF. They were able to get four embryos. The first one resulted in a pregnancy, but Catriona miscarried. The second one did not take. Catriona agreed to try one more time and it resulted in a pregnancy. Catriona stated this was the last time and they agreed to donate the embryo. A couple that would be unable to conceive would get an opportunity to have a child. Catriona and James had a little boy that they named Sebastian. Catriona has a rough time adjusting. Sebastian did not take to breastfeeding and he cried frequently. Then Catriona started seeing a person in the house and hearing voices. James had her see a doctor and he put her on antidepressants. However, Catriona did not tell him about the voices and hallucinations. Catriona ends up spending time in a clinic that helps her overcome the postpartum psychosis. It is a rare condition, but it does happen. James take time off to take care of Sebastian. When Catriona returns home, she is happy to see her son. Diana Simmons and her husband, Liam are unable to conceive on their own. After going through the various options, they choose to adopt an embryo (it is like adopting a baby). Despite objections from her mother and the local priest, they went ahead with their plans. Diana was lucky enough to get pregnant. It resulted in a son, Noah. Diana loves being a mother. Then one day she is at the grocery store with Noah asleep in his stroller. She has it covered with a blanket so the lights in the store do not wake him up. When Diana gets out to her car and removes the blanket, Noah is gone. Someone kidnapped her son. Who would take him and why? Join Diana, Liam, James, and Catriona as their lives spiral out of control. Claiming Noah is an emotional book. There are high points and some very low points (makes you cry). The story is told from the viewpoint of the two women: Catriona and Diana. We get to see how each person reacts to pregnancy and raising children (and how it affects their husbands and marriage). The story has good writing (for the most part), but it could use a little editing (and reworking). This author’s writing is very descriptive. She likes to describe the trees, furnishing, clothes in great detail. It was interesting to find out about embryo donation and how it is handled. Amanda Ortlepp shows what happens when an embryo donation goes wrong. It is an emotionally charged issue that presents legal and emotional complications. We get to see how it affects the two families. I did find that some of the novel was predictable, but I did enjoy the overall story. I give Claiming Noah 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). This is Amanda Ortlepp’s debut novel, and I look forward to reading her next book. I received a complimentary copy of Claiming Noah from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest evaluation. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

About the author

AMANDA ORTLEPP lives in Sydney, Australia, where she is already at work on her second novel.