You Were Always Mine

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What to expect

‘Sits squarely at the tender intersection of race, class, and ethics – wrapped in beautiful prose and a killer plot that keeps you turning the pages’ JODI PICOULT

‘Oh my goodness this book; quite possibly one of the most emotionally powerful, heart wrenching books about motherhood that I have ever read … I laughed and cried, and I know that this book will stay with me forever … I would give this book six stars if I could’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘It is a beautifully written book with a sensitivity and nuance that makes it an immensely rewarding read. I couldn’t recommend it more highly and if you are looking for the perfect book club read, this is it!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

* * * *

Is the truest family the one we’re born into, or the one we make for ourselves?

Cinnamon Haynes has fought hard for everything she has – her marriage, a stable job as a career counsellor, and home of her own. She’s overcome the difficult circumstances of her childhood to build this life, and yet, she can’t help but wonder … is this all there is?

Just nineteen years old, Daisy Dunlap has already faced her share of hardships, but she has big dreams for her future. A future which is threatened when she gets unexpectedly pregnant and, desperate and alone, she makes a drastic decision with devastating consequences.

When Cinnamon finds an abandoned baby in the park, she takes the newborn into her home, not realising the chain reaction this will set off. Cinnamon must deal with the shocking judgements from friends, strangers, even her own husband, about why a Black woman like her would take in this blonde-haired, blue-eyed baby, but all Cinnamon wants is to do right by this innocent child. Then, Cinnamon’s fragile hold over the baby is threatened and she must fight for the family she wants – even if that costs her everything she once held dear …

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PRAISE FOR CHRISTINE PRIDE & JO PIAZZA:

‘A powerful story about friendship, race, love, forgiveness, and justice … Empathetic, riveting, and authentic’ Laura Dave, author of The Last Thing He Told Me

‘An absolute must-read for your book clubs for debate and discussion’ Nina Pottell, Prima (Book of the Month)

‘Powerful and timely’ Guardian

‘Guaranteed to get people talking’ Good Housekeeping

Critics Review

Praise for You Were Always Mine

‘The work of Jo Piazza and Christine Pride sits squarely at the tender intersection of race, class, and ethics – wrapped in beautiful prose and a killer plot that keeps you turning the pages. Before you begin You Were Always Mine, ask yourself why you often see white foster parents with Black kids . . . but rarely the other way around. What makes a family? Who has the right to raise a child? Does race matter more than love or security? And perhaps most important of all – why don’t we feel comfortable asking these questions? This novel will spark one of many conversations America should be having’ Jodi Picoult

Praise for Christine Pride and Jo Piazza

‘A painfully amazing read teaching us that sometimes, when it comes to race, the real enemy is ignorance’ Rhys Stephenson, actor and TV presenter

‘Provides a starting point for conversations which are crucial, at times uncomfortable, but long overdue’ Ruth Hogan, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Keeper of Lost Things

‘The best kind of book, one that manages to educate readers as it entertains them. Riveting, timely and honest, this powerful page-turner explores the complexity of friendship and race – and will stay with you long after its stunning conclusion’ Greer Hendricks, Sunday Times bestselling co-author of The Wife Between Us

‘A brilliant novel from Christine Pride and Jo Piazza capturing today’s complex issues of race and class’ HELLO!

‘This is one of those books that is guaranteed to get people talking’ Joanne Finney, Good Housekeeping

‘A powerful story race, compassion, friendship and justice
[…] a challenging and important read’ Daily Mail

‘I rarely say this, but I think everyone should read this’ Platinum

‘Powerful, accessible and wholly relatable’ Stylist

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