All you need to know about the debut novel from author Joanne Ramos is this: ‘Joanne Ramos debut novel couldn’t be more relevant or timely.’ This quote is from O: The Oprah Magazine. It’s one of 25 books they recommend for 2019. It’s a fascinating look at the world of being a surrogate mother for rich people. The place is Golden Oaks in the Hudson Valley, It has everything a pregnant woman will need. And it’s basically free. And you get paid to have a baby. Just not your own baby. A baby for someone rich that you give up once born. You may never even know who you are carrying it for. You get paid a monthly fee and upon delivery a bonus if you follow all the rules and have the baby. But the rules are very strict and you must follow them.
For Jane who is an immigrant from the Philippines who has a young baby she takes care of it could be just what she needs monetarily. She is able to pass the strict tests/guidelines to be a surrogate. She will have to leave her daughter for almost a year with no contact with her except over skype and via pictures. If the client okays it she might be able to visit with her. Jane soon finds herself with child and living in Golden Oaks aka the farm as other women call it.
As the months go on she becomes worried about her daughter and that she is okay. She has been told she has had some ear infections and every saw her with a black eye. She was suppose to have a visit with her but she broke a rule and it was cancelled. Now she will do whatever it takes to see her even it means breaking the rules of the farm.
It’s a page-turning character driven journey that you won’t want to put down. You root for Jane the whole way as you’re reading the book. A very good debut novel from author Joanne Ramos. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
You can pick up the book in stores on Tuesday, May 7th from Random House.
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