To Know You by Shannon Ethridge and Kathryn Mackel

Years ago, Julia Whittaker gave up two daughters for adoption. Now she must find them to try to save the life of her son.
Julia and Matt Whittaker’s son was diagnosed with biliary atresia at birth. Dillon has beaten the odds for thirteen years only to have the odds—and his liver—crash precipitously. The only hope for his survival is a transplant. He can receive a “living liver” transplant but neither his parents, nor various family members and friends, are compatible.
The transplant list is long and Dillon’s time is short. Very short.
He has two chances for a compatible liver: his two older half-sisters, born eighteen months apart and adopted at birth.
But can Julia ask a young woman—someone she surrendered to strangers—to donate a portion of her body to a brother she’s never known? Will either sister even be a match for their half-brother? Will either of them show mercy and courage if they are?
Julia knows she’s probably on a fool’s errand—reaching out to the daughters she abandoned only now that she needs them. But what other choice does she have except to try?

Goodreads Summary

I have to admit that I had a very hard time reviewing this book...even reading it.  I am definitely a "happily ever after" type of person; don't get me wrong, I love a good dystopian, but I just feel bad when families are negatively affected.  When Julia's son is very ill and in need of a transplant, Julia suddenly remembers that she gave up two daughters for birth.  She goes back to hound them and try to literally get a piece of their bodies from them.  I found this very disturbing.  I do understand what it is like to have someone waiting for years on the organ recipient list, but I can't imagine asking something so extraordinary from people that I (theoretically) literally gave up.  

I did not like Julia's character, but I liked the characters of her daughters.  In a way, she made the right decision in giving them up because they turned out just fine.  This isn't always the case, but I definitely was glad that they seemed so healthy and happy.  I felt horrible for Dillon; I would never want anyone to suffer to that extent.  He was a brave little boy for all he went through.  I guess I could have tried harder to give this book a chance, but I just think this one wasn't for me.

3 Stars


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