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The Surrogate Kindle Edition
ABBY:
I’m falling for the father of the baby I’m carrying.
The problem is: it’s not my baby.
And the broody widower is not looking for a long-term partner.
As a surrogate, the deal was that I’d only be in England long enough to give birth.
At first, the man seemed as pretentious as his name: Sigmund Benedictus.
He and I butted heads.
Sig challenged my intentions, accused me of just wanting to do this for the money.
Gradually, he learned to trust me.
He even became protective.
Over time, our heated animosity turned into fiery chemistry.
I was falling in love with him.
But my time here had a limit.
I needed to protect my heart from the devastatingly gorgeous older man who’d end up breaking it.
SIG:
When my in-laws told me they wanted to use my dead wife’s eggs to conceive a grandchild, I wasn’t immediately on board.
They swore that on her deathbed Britney told them it was what she wanted—but only if I fathered the baby. Her parents insisted they would be the ones to raise it.
Against my better judgment, I agreed.
I vowed to keep my heart out of it, though.
I’d continue to pretend it wasn’t happening and live the empty, single life I’d become accustomed to the past five years since Britney died.
And despite the fact that a certain younger American named Abby Knickerbocker had awakened things inside me that I thought were long dead…
I most certainly wouldn’t fall in love with the surrogate.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
--Kindle Crack Book Reviews
It's been a while since I read something so fascinating, captivating, and special all in one...
--Women Who Stare at Books
My heart is overflowing with love for these characters!! I know, I always say this, but this might be the best book yet!
--The Review Loft
Penelope Ward is known for her REMARKABLE stories and I recommend every one of them, however, this book is truly UNBELIEVABLY BEAUTIFUL and pierces you to the CORE of your SOUL!!
--Donna, Goodreads
Unique plot, seamless narrative flow, witty banter and steaminess are second to none. Bravo, Ward!
--Kindle Friends Forever
I don't want to spoil the story. But know that for me to cry. And twice. Means this book is special. Beautiful. Phenomenal. Exquisite. Emotional.
--Virginia, Goodreads
Seriously, this book was perfect. Oh my gosh. READ IT. Stop thinking about it and just do it. I promise you will LOVE it. SIX / 5 stars. Top 2024 fave.
Lydia's Bookshelf
An absolute TOP READ of 2024 and my new favorite Penelope Ward's book.
--Dawn, Goodreads
5 stars plus. If ever there is a book to bring out many emotions, this one will do it in spades.
--Marina, Goodreads
A very special read that is definitely my top read of the year.
--Thelma and Louise Book Blog
Gah, the feels. ALL OF THE FEELS. Loved, loved, LOVED this story.
--Jen's Dreamy Little Reads
Sig just might be my new favorite Penelope hero.
--Lisa, Goodreads
The slow burn and the angst had me in a chokehold until I was so desperate for air I thought I would explode.
--Stephanie, Goodreads
A beautiful and touching love story.
--Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog
The Surrogate is my new favorite from Penelope Ward. Five smooches from me.
--Red Cheeks Reads
OMG y'all this book was sooooo good! 5 STARS. Simply put I LOVED it!
--Tasty Wordgasms
This is exactly the story readers have been waiting for.
--Wendy, Goodreads
I adored this story on so many levels.
--Blushing Babes Are Up All Night
One of my top reads EVER. Once I started, I could not put this book down.
Erin, Goodreads
Absolute perfection!!!!
--Cristina, Goodreads
I swooned hard & had all the feels reading this book. Sig & Abby will steal your heart like they did mine.
--CherryRed's Reads
This book will make you laugh, cry and feel joy.
--Shari, Goodreads
The warmth & positivity of Sig & Abby's story will leave your heart full long after the last page.
--Amour Rebelle
I'm still in a bit of a book hangover, and I'm not ready to close the book on these two yet. So, I started a turnaround reread. It's something I had to do.
--The Divas Book Lounge
OMG! I literally just finished reading this story! OMG I love it so much!
--Erika, Goodreads
If you're looking for an emotional, widower, age gap, forbidden, enemies to friends to lovers, slow burn check this one out.
--Book Addict Reviews
So much heart went into this story, of that I have no doubt! I'd give it all the stars if I could!
--Marina, Goodreads
Wow! I'm left speechless. This book is exquisite. So emotional, raw, unfiltered and beautiful.
--Livelyreads
This book will forever hold a special place in my heart!
--Maria, Goodreads
Speechless. My review will not give justice to this emotional book. 5+ Stars.
--Romance, Movies and Books
I loved all the pages in this book even the ones that brought tears to my eyes!
--Ruth, Goodreads
I LOVE LOVE LOOOOOOVED this book!!
--Gail, Goodreads
I laughed and cried with them. This is definitely my new favorite book of Penelope's. A 10 star for me.
--Juli, Goodreads
Penelope Ward is a brilliant storyteller and she literally started off 2024 by creating an emotionally charged and incredible masterpiece.
--Veronica's Reading Vault
Oh my! My heart is overflowing with joy! Euphoric!
--Kim, Goodreads
Penelope's best yet!
--The Lushy Reader
Chemistry was off the charts.
--MaryBeth, Goodreads
This will definitely go on to be read again list. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
--Cat's Guilty Pleasure
Sooo heartbreaking, sweet, hot, heartstrings, watching Sig get put back together again. Priceless.
--Ashley, Goodreads.
Five stars, and a rainbow.
-MR, Goodreads
Their chemistry is palpable and their journey will put you through a gamut of emotions. Absolutely worth the wait.
--Michella, Goodreads
This has just become my favourite book from Penelope Ward.
--Ashleigh, Goodreads
Product details
- ASIN : B0CW1HV94V
- Publisher : Penelope Ward Books, Inc. (February 24, 2024)
- Publication date : February 24, 2024
- Language : English
- File size : 655 KB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 324 pages
- Page numbers source ISBN : 1959827545
- Best Sellers Rank: #6,613 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #1,410 in Contemporary Romance (Kindle Store)
- #1,783 in Contemporary Romance (Books)
- #2,301 in Romance (Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over thirty books. Her novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoyed the story and found it relatable. They loved the characters, especially the strong heroine and supportive secondary characters. The emotional content was described as heartwarming and inspirational. Readers appreciated the writing quality, describing it as excellent and flowing seamlessly. They also enjoyed the humor and found the subject matter unique and original.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the story. They find it moving and engaging, with a great plot that keeps them interested from beginning to end. The book is described as a dual love story that makes you feel all the emotions.
"...; meeting Felicity, Leo, and Lavina anew was a real treat, and the unique plot, seamless narrative flow, witty banter and steaminess are second to..." Read more
"...Honoring those we’ve lost and finding love again. The plot was great, watching the MMC overcome his grief and honor his wife’s wishes, while trying..." Read more
"This is not a single love story but a dual love story that will make you feel all of the feels...." Read more
"...The characters were extremely well-developed and so relatable that there were many times thruout the story that my heart melted or my eyes..." Read more
Customers appreciate the well-developed characters and their relationships. They find the supporting characters essential to the storyline, with well-written secondary characters that feel unexpected. The heroine has a strong, grumpy yet sunny personality. Readers also enjoy the humorous side characters and the blossoming relationship between Sig and Abby.
"...weaving together profoundly heartfelt and intense feelings, relatable characters and beautiful settings...." Read more
"...This series was beautifully written, and the supporting characters were amazing. I hope everyone will read it." Read more
"...The characters were extremely well-developed and so relatable that there were many times thruout the story that my heart melted or my eyes..." Read more
"...It’s heartwarming, funny, exciting, and you feel the love and loss the characters suffered." Read more
Customers find the book emotional and inspirational. They describe it as a heartwarming story of love, heartache, change, growth, and hope. The ending brings tears to their eyes, with a beautiful happy ending. However, some readers feel the book has too little angst for dealing with complex feelings like grief and loss.
"...her readers with a slow-burn standalone romance, masterfully weaving together profoundly heartfelt and intense feelings, relatable characters and..." Read more
"...The plot was great, watching the MMC overcome his grief and honor his wife’s wishes, while trying not to fall in love was so sweet...." Read more
"...There was a lot of emotion in this story. I liked it a lot." Read more
"Sadness and happiness are the best 2 words I can use to describe this book. Love Penelope Ward’s books but this one is my favourite yet...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's charm, wit, and heart. They find it sweet, with relatable characters and beautiful settings. The romance is well-written without excessive drama. Readers appreciate the narration and Desiree Ketchum's performance as feisty Abby. Overall, they describe it as an inspiring read.
"...heartfelt and intense feelings, relatable characters and beautiful settings...." Read more
"Holy moly, this is one of the most romantic, sweetest books I have had the pleasure of reading...." Read more
"...It was definitely an odd situation, but beautiful none the less. I really liked his bad attitude and distrust of Abby at first...." Read more
"...The Surrogate is filled with swoon and spice. Sig and Abby had tons of chemistry and I loved watching them fall in love...." Read more
Customers enjoy the writing quality. They find the writing excellent and flowing smoothly. The author is talented and makes a special effort. The narration is great, and the book is a good read that can be read as a standalone.
"Penelope did a great job writing this one. I was intrigued from the beginning, this story is a beautiful story in overcoming the past...." Read more
"...This series was beautifully written, and the supporting characters were amazing. I hope everyone will read it." Read more
"...In true Penelope Ward fashion the writing flowed seamlessly and captivated me instantaneously...." Read more
"...Narration is plus gold! Desiree Ketchum is lovely as the feisty Abby, who's going through so many emotions!..." Read more
Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find it has wit, heart, and real-life elements woven into the story. The banter between characters is also appreciated.
"...was a real treat, and the unique plot, seamless narrative flow, witty banter and steaminess are second to none. Bravo, Ward!" Read more
"...You get emotional moments, you get funny moments, and you get so many moments watching these two together...." Read more
"...So funny!" Read more
"...It elicits every feeling you could want from a book. It’s heartwarming, funny, exciting, and you feel the love and loss the characters suffered." Read more
Customers find the book authentic and unique. They describe the plot as original and special. The love story is described as real, heartfelt, and honest.
"...It felt real and honest. The way they slowly got to know each other and developed a bond was fun to read. There was a lot of emotion in this story...." Read more
"...The polys the twists. Make Sig’s and Abby’s story completely unique and absolutely incredible!" Read more
"...Enter Abby, the surrogate. This was such a slow burn, unique, beautiful, heartfelt, story that gripped me from the get go...." Read more
"...Abby was amazing, open and honest and I was holding my breath at times while reading as her feelings for Sig deepened while carrying his child...." Read more
Customers enjoyed the book's impact. They found it emotional, inspiring, and thought-provoking with great life advice. The storyline was beautiful and the characters grew throughout. The author delicately navigated the complexities of the relationship and handled the characters' issues. Overall, readers enjoyed the complex relationships, twists, love, and passion in the story.
"...It has hardship and romance and true love but also real life trauma as well as death of a love one. Live life each day and be happy! 🥰🌈😇..." Read more
"...A truly emotional and inspirational journey with pure romance. One of my absolute favourite stories by Penelope Ward, no question." Read more
"...A poignant forbidden romance, Ward delicately navigated the complexities of this relationship and tackled the characters’ grief, longing and love..." Read more
"...What an inspiring read. I loved it to the very end. Thank you Penelope for giving us Sig's story." Read more
Reviews with images

Review by @feathers_library
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2024Once again, Ward’s storytelling prowess captivates her readers with a slow-burn standalone romance, masterfully weaving together profoundly heartfelt and intense feelings, relatable characters and beautiful settings. Those who have read The Aristocat will be familiar with one of its characters who had a lasting effect on us and whose story we’ve all been hastily waiting for.
How original is this? Every chapter interlocks with a song title, giving me a rhythmic feel of anticipation. Also, I made every effort to go into Ward’s love story blind, so my excitement was tenfold. Therefore, I would recommend doing the same to get the full emotional impact of the story.
It takes a remarkable person to take on what Abby was about to do so unselfishly. I loved how her father’s close friends supported her throughout and how she fit into her new surroundings, her host welcoming her from the very start. My heart went out to Sigmund. Sometimes, when a new reality presents itself, moving forward has its complications. And wow, did Ward’s words pack the punch or what? I teared up while reading about him going through his dilemma. That said, Abby’s presence gets to Sigmund–they reach an understanding, her compassion helping him to heal, making room for a soul-stirring friendship.
However, no one has complete control over who they fall for. Vulnerabilities play their part; thinking about what the future holds, accepting the now and making the most of it was what Ward has accomplished perfectly. Kudos to her for handling the delicate subject she’d chosen to write about with such sensitivity, too.
I took my time reading The Surrogate. Sigmund and Abby’s story is awe-inspiring, and I felt they deserved all my attention. Observing them together was a joy; meeting Felicity, Leo, and Lavina anew was a real treat, and the unique plot, seamless narrative flow, witty banter and steaminess are second to none. Bravo, Ward!
- Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2025Penelope did a great job writing this one. I was intrigued from the beginning, this story is a beautiful story in overcoming the past. Honoring those we’ve lost and finding love again. The plot was great, watching the MMC overcome his grief and honor his wife’s wishes, while trying not to fall in love was so sweet. You get emotional moments, you get funny moments, and you get so many moments watching these two together.
You had a perfect balance in this book in the love story and the plot.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2025This book is incredible. It elicits every feeling you could want from a book. It’s heartwarming, funny, exciting, and you feel the love and loss the characters suffered.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2025This is not a single love story but a dual love story that will make you feel all of the feels.
Sigmund Benidictus meets and loses the love of his life in six months.
He is torn apart and greaving for a wife he never had the chance to really love.
When his in-laws propose that his wife had some of her eggs preserved and they wish for a grandchild to raise, he doesn't know how to handle the feelings he has.
The only stipulations that his wife Britney has is that he is the father.
They have found a surrogate, a family friend who volunteers to do it.
Abby Knickerbakker is from the United States, and when she hears of the tragic death of their daughter, she's moved to do this for them.
Sigmund has so many conflicting feelings but eventually agrees because it is what Britney wanted.
He also has stipulations, one of which is Abby must move to England to carry and have the baby.
As they both fight not to give into their feelings, it becomes impossible.
This is a story of love, love lost, love found, and the miracle of a child.
This series was beautifully written, and the supporting characters were amazing.
I hope everyone will read it.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2025Holy moly, this is one of the most romantic, sweetest books I have had the pleasure of reading.
It reminded me of a modern-day Pride & Prejudice.
The characters were extremely well-developed and so relatable that there were many times thruout the story that my heart melted or my eyes watered.
If you haven't read the Surrogate, treat yourself ASAP.
Enjoy!
- Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2025I really enjoyed this story. Sigmund's loss was heartbreaking, and I loved that he was open to the idea of a surrogate. It was definitely an odd situation, but beautiful none the less. I really liked his bad attitude and distrust of Abby at first. It felt real and honest. The way they slowly got to know each other and developed a bond was fun to read. There was a lot of emotion in this story. I liked it a lot.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2025Penelope Ward has done it again! A true romantic novel but with a real live twist to it in regards to Abby being a surrogate Mother carrying a dead man’s wife’s impregnated embryo and he doesn’t like her when the process starts. One thing leads to another and through the webs we weave, things don’t get said, then misintrpreted, and it all leads to a mess that ends in a HEA!!!
- Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2024I hate some of these books. This one includes a dude who 8s emotionally unavailable and uses hook up sites for sex and threesomes when he can't handle his emotions. Ladies. He is a walking red flag. In real life, when men use this coping mechanism... they never stop doing it. If you encounter these men, run!!
Top reviews from other countries
- JoanneReviewed in Canada on March 15, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars EMOTIONAL RIDE!!
THE SURROGATE by Penelope Ward
Sigmund and Abby's story
This is definitely one of my favourite books of Ms. Ward's. I really fell for Sigmund Benedictus in The Aristocrat!! This pretentious British playboy was quite the character. I suggest you read it first to really get where Sigmund is coming from emotionally. I really enjoyed this emotional read. I was laughing and teary eyed throughout. Sigmund is believable, he's real, he was broken when his wife passed away from cancer, leaving him devastated. Now his in laws want a grandchild so they approach Sigmund with a surrogate, Abby who is willing to have a baby with their deceased daughters eggs. He instantly clashed with Abby. I loved their banter, it was quite funny at times. Their chemistry is off the charts and they can only fight their feelings for so long. It's a complicated situation with emotions galore. I highly recommend it!
JoanneEMOTIONAL RIDE!!
Reviewed in Canada on March 15, 2024
Sigmund and Abby's story
This is definitely one of my favourite books of Ms. Ward's. I really fell for Sigmund Benedictus in The Aristocrat!! This pretentious British playboy was quite the character. I suggest you read it first to really get where Sigmund is coming from emotionally. I really enjoyed this emotional read. I was laughing and teary eyed throughout. Sigmund is believable, he's real, he was broken when his wife passed away from cancer, leaving him devastated. Now his in laws want a grandchild so they approach Sigmund with a surrogate, Abby who is willing to have a baby with their deceased daughters eggs. He instantly clashed with Abby. I loved their banter, it was quite funny at times. Their chemistry is off the charts and they can only fight their feelings for so long. It's a complicated situation with emotions galore. I highly recommend it!
Images in this review
- Lyn, Welsh border.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 31, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Gorgeous. A MUST read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A mixture of snarky, broody, witty and downright mesmerising this is both extremely moving and a breath of fresh air. I dont think anyone else could have dealt with the subject matter as sensitively as Ms Ward and managed to make it one of the most beautifully written romances out there. This book reaches into your soul. 💗😍
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AndreaReviewed in Germany on April 1, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars wunderschön
Hat mich von Beginn an begeistert.
Würde 6 Sterne ⭐️ vergeben, wenn ich könnte.
Werde ich bestimmt irgendwann noch einmal lesen.
-
cuore__di__cartaReviewed in Italy on February 28, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Sig è il bookboyfriend perfetto
Una storia di seconde possibilità, speranze e lucentissimo amore nel nuovo romanzo di Penelope Ward. Per ora solo in inglese ma chissà!
TRAMA
Sono passati cinque anni dalla morte di sua moglie e Sigmund, che ha giurato di non amare mai più nessuno, è senza parole quando i suoi suoceri gli chiedono di dar vita a un bambino con gli ovuli congelati di Britney. Servirà una surrogata, che loro hanno già in mente. Abby è giovane, ma ha già fatto esperienza del dolore, per questo accetta di aiutare gli amici di famiglia e parte per l'Inghilterra perché il misterioso Sig possa seguire la gravidanza. Solo che non è come Abby si aspettava: Sig è bello, irresistibile, protettivo e gentile, e ha il cuore rotto. Quello che nasce come un rapporto limitato alla gravidanza si trasforma presto in un trasporto salvifico, in un amore che sembra impossibile.
La dolcezza e la novità di questa storia mi hanno fatta innamorare. Non è un libro per tutti, è un racconto intenso e a tratti scioccante. Sigmund non ha solo difficoltà ad aprirsi ancora, ma mantiene un ricordo della moglie che non gli permette di dare tutto se stesso ad un'altra. Abby, d'altro canto, è una protagonista meravigliosa, empatica e comprensiva nonostante la giovane età. Capisce di dover andare via alla fine della gravidanza perché, anche se ama Sig, anche se sa che lui la ama a modo suo, non vuole essere un premio di consolazione, la scelta relativa. Solo che non si aspetta di amare tanto il bambino che ha in grembo e il fatto di vivere con Sig, con le sue premure e la loro cocente attrazione, non le rende facile distaccarsi.
I temi sono tanti, i personaggi secondari bellissimi, l'ambientazione nella campagna inglese deliziosa. E Sig è davvero dolce, innamorato, magnifico. Mi è piaciuto tanto, anche l'idea di una narrazione nella narrazione, il voler raccontare un tema tanto inedito attraverso una storia d'amore e speranza. Speriamo arrivi in Italia!
VOTO: 5/5
- RomanceBooktalkReviewed in Australia on March 12, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars All The Feels ♥️
I absolutely loved Sig when he was first introduced to us in The Aristocat. His quick wit and sarcastic sense of humour made him a firm favourite of mine, and it broke my heart when he lost his beloved wife Brittany to cancer. So, when I started reading his story, I certainly wasn’t expecting to be so emotionally captivated by this beautiful and heartfelt story that Penelope penned for him.
I’m not going to divulge into the details of the story, because I’m sure many other reviewers will do that for you, but what I will say is that this book deeply moved me in the best way possible, and I’m so glad I got to read and experience Sig’s story.
Even though this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend that you read The Aristocrat first. It will give you a much better understanding of Sig’s character, and how broken he was before Abby came into his life, and changed it for the better.
P.S. A special shoutout to Lavinia for being the best stand-in mum Sig could have ever asked for; and who can forget those Fireball shots 😂🥰