Once You Were Mine

A Novel

A genealogy search reveals heartrending connections between friends as it brings to light one woman’s traumatic past as a teenage mother in the 1960s.

In a quiet North Carolina town in 1968, a seventeen-year-old girl’s life is forever changed when a summer romance leads to an unplanned pregnancy. She is sent to an abusive “maternity home,” where she is shamed and deceived into signing adoption papers.

In the present day, Allison Garrett volunteers as a “search angel,” using DNA tests to help strangers locate lost relatives. But the family tree she finds most compelling is that of her own mother, who was abandoned as a baby. As Allison puts the pieces together, they reveal much more than her mother’s origins—and threaten to create further divisions in her tight-knit community.

When a family is separated by devastating circumstances, is it possible for them to heal the pain of the past and make up for lost time?

©2025 by Elizabeth Langston. (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“I enjoyed the twists and turns in the plot…Recommended reading.”—Historical Novels Review

“Told with heartfelt compassion from the poignant beginning to a wonderfully uplifting ending, Once You Were Mine is an insightful story of family and the courage it takes to embrace the tenuous nature of expectations when belief is challenged.”—Shelley Noble, New York Times bestselling author of The Colony Club

“Quietly powerful and tenderly written, Once You Were Mine reveals the messy painful aftermath of long ago choices and buried family secrets. Langston offers hope without being sappy and leaves readers believing that it’s never too late for a second chance.”—Alix Rickloff, author of The Last Light Over Oslo

Wholesome- Well Done

The storyline deals with some tough, real life problems, however it was done without the use of foul language! I will be looking for more stories by this author!

Pre ERA

The treatment young Molly in the 60’s was abhorrent. Her family basically turned their backs on her. But she was resilient. This story shows the impact of decisions that can be felt throughout future generations.

Never Give Up

The title is what called me. I definitely Loved the preview and I had to continue listening to the story 💗💗💗

Looooong

I feel that the book hit a lull at the end and started to drag. The ending lacked luster like I was desiring !!!!

Bittersweet story

Solid storyline with a good ending. Great character development and easy to follow. I liked it!