The Life She Was Given: A Moving and Emotional Saga of Family and Resilient Women

The Blackwood Manor and the Barlow Brothers' Circus are intertwined in a captivating tale of family secrets, a mother's love, and the power of resilience, as expertly crafted by the internationally bestselling author of The Orphan Collector. This poignant and beautifully written novel has been hailed as a "powerful, poignant" work, perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes and Lisa Wingate.

In 1931, young Lilly Blackwood, confined to her attic bedroom, catches glimpses of the alluring circus lights from afar. Momma insists it is for Lilly's own protection, fearing how people might react to her. Yet, on one fateful summer evening, Lilly is taken outside for the first time—only to be sold to the circus sideshow. More than two decades later, Lilly's story intertwines with that of her descendant, Julia Blackwood, who has inherited the family's estate and horse farm. For Julia, the return home is bittersweet, as she grapples with the painful memories of strict rules and forbidden rooms.

As Julia delves into the manor's mysteries, she uncovers photos of a striking young girl in the circus, leading her to unravel the shocking truths about her family's past. While the Barlow Brothers' Circus was initially another prison for Lilly, she soon discovers an inner strength, forging unexpected friendships and a rare affinity for the animals, especially the elephants Pepper and JoJo and their handler, Cole. Lilly's transformation from a sideshow spectacle to the circus's main attraction is a testament to her resilience, until tragedy and cruelty collide, leaving it to Julia to confront the family's betrayal and find a way to heal the Manor.

Seamlessly blending mystery, history, and compelling, well-researched details, this vibrant and complex novel has been praised by critics as "perfect for book clubs and readers who admired Sara Gruen's Like Water for Elephants," with "a vibrant maze of desires" and "moments of joy and indomitable hope" that will captivate fans of Karen White and Sara Gruen. A GREAT GROUP READS Selection of the Women's National Book Association and National Reading Group Month, as well as a GOODREADS Best of the Month Selection, this powerful and poignant work masterfully portrays the extraordinary journeys of two very different women, bound by the threads of family, betrayal, and the resilience of the human spirit.

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