Mother in Name Only

A Novel

Fiction - Drama
240 Pages
Reviewed on 05/06/2023
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Maryann Namayi for Readers' Favorite

Diana Kingsley’s Mother in Name Only: A Novel follows the journey of Myrna Kaye, a modern and educated woman who reflects on her life shaped by the societal norms of the ‘50s and ‘60s. As the story opens, Myrna walks barefoot in the warm weather. It is late afternoon, and she wears white to symbolize purity and the cleansing of sins. She gazes at the scenery and contemplates the simplicity and clarity of the joy that love can bring. However, she realizes that it is not easy to love something so purely. After leaving a loveless marriage, Myrna creates a life of autonomy for herself, but her struggles stem from her past and her family’s history. The narrative is a poignant intergenerational drama that focuses on the journey toward spiritual healing.

Diana Kingsley’s writing is exceptional, and her character development is well-crafted. The novel explores the significance of our values and provides insightful commentary on the nature of relationships. A key theme is the importance of honesty as the foundation of any partnership. The novel includes a thought-provoking quote: “To ignore an opportunity to do good is a sin.” Myrna interprets this as validation based on her experiences. The novel encourages readers to strive for self-improvement while acknowledging their imperfections and highlights the importance of courage. It serves as a reminder that upholding the truth is of utmost importance. Mother in Name Only is a thought-provoking and well-written novel that delves into complex themes and offers valuable insights into the human experience.

Jan Elliott

I couldn’t agree more.