Tamara Chavalle’s Baby Number Three, the sequel to But Baby, You’re Worth It, offers an engaging continuation of Tabitha Powell’s journey as a single mother. Tabitha is raising her thirteen-year-old daughter, Rose, and seven-month-old son, Max, in a small apartment in her mother’s home in suburban Sydney, Australia. Determined to expand her family, Tabitha faces a challenge: a traumatic birth experience with Max has left her unable to carry another child. Undeterred, she shifts her focus toward finding a surrogate and navigating the complex and emotionally charged path that follows.

Chavalle’s writing is both captivating and emotionally resonant, making Tabitha’s struggles and triumphs compelling from start to finish. A central theme is Tabitha’s belief in the idea that everything happens for a reason, even when the reasons remain elusive. This perspective provides her with the strength to confront life’s many obstacles, resonating deeply with readers. Unexpected twists and turns in the narrative kept me invested, eager to uncover how Tabitha’s journey would unfold for herself and her family.

I found the exploration of Australian surrogacy laws intriguing. In Australia, commercial surrogacy is illegal, meaning that surrogates must act out of altruism rather than for monetary compensation. This legal and cultural distinction added depth to the story, as Tabitha’s quest to find someone willing to carry her baby took on a unique and heartfelt dimension. The emotional and ethical complexities of altruistic surrogacy were woven seamlessly into the plot, enriching the reading experience.

One element of the story that I liked was Tabitha’s approach to seeking a surrogate. She wrote emails to close friends and family members, asking if they would consider helping her. While this method may have felt natural to Tabitha, it struck me as impersonal for such a monumental request. Asking someone to carry a child is deeply significant, and I felt such a conversation warranted an in-person discussion. This disconnect added an interesting layer to Tabitha’s character but also left me questioning her choices.

At times, the narrative felt slightly repetitive, especially when detailing the endless hurdles in Tabitha’s path. However, that may also be the point. It mirrors the cyclical nature of her struggles and triumphs. Moments of humor, like her interactions with other parents or her wry commentary on modern dating, provided welcome relief and added texture to the story.

Baby Number Three is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, family, and the lengths one woman will go to fulfill her dreams of motherhood. Tamara Chavalle skillfully balances emotional depth with cultural insight, crafting a story that is thought-provoking. The novel’s charm and complexity make it a memorable read.

Pages: 226 | ASIN: B0DR56JK2H