It’s One of Us by J.T. Ellison, 4 Stars

Olivia Bender designs exquisite home interiors that satisfy the most demanding clients. But her own deepest desire can’t be fulfilled by marble counters or the perfect rug. She desperately  wants to be a mother. Fertility treatments and IVF keep failing. And just when she feels she’s at her lowest point, the police deliver shocking news to Olivia and her husband, Park.
 
DNA results show that the prime suspect in a murder investigation is Park’s son. Olivia is relieved, knowing this is a mistake. Despite their desire, the Benders don’t have any children. Then comes the confession. Many years ago, Park donated sperm to a clinic. He has no idea how many times it was sold—or how many children he has sired.
 
As the murder investigation goes deeper, more terrible truths come to light. With every revelation, Olivia must face the unthinkable. The man she married has fathered a killer. But can she hold that against him when she keeps such dark secrets of her own?
 
This twisting, emotionally layered thriller explores the lies we tell to keep a marriage together–or break each other apart . . .

My Review:

Olivia’s relationship with her husband and high school sweetheart, Park, is picture perfect. She’s somewhat of a Joanna Gaines type, and he’s a successful writer. They live in an envy-worth house that she has designed herself and life is good. Only problem is, the thing that what Olivia wants most in the world- a baby- isn’t happened for her and Park.

When a local woman that Olivia knows from bookclub goes missing, the whole community is shocked. But when police show up at her doorstep to let her husband know that his son was the murderer, her entire world is shattered. Not only does she feel deceived by someone she has know almost her whole life, but she is also filled with immense jealously and anger. She can’t get pregnant but Park has a child out there somewhere.

Of course from there, things spiral, and we learn a lot about what has really gone on behind the scenes for Park and Olivia. It’s One of Us, weirdly, was the second book in a row I read that featured a sperm donor. But it definitely brings up ethical issues and adds an extra level of intrigue. It’s a great read, as long as the fertility topic isn’t triggering to you.

This one is out now and is definitely a page turner. Check it out!