Marilyn's Story

by Louise Allen

An unhealthy obsession and a dark secret spell trouble for Louise in a disturbing case...

A baby is named ‘Marilyn’ after the Hollywood legend, Norma Jean.

Marilyn inherits her parents’ fascination for Marilyn Monroe and develops an obsession with her alter-ego. She wears red lipstick and emulates the curvy, platinum-blond film star from a very young age.

When her family is torn apart by tragedy, she finds herself in the care system, and systematically derails foster-carer Louise’s family holiday.

But is her diva behaviour masking a dark secret?

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2024

About the author

From an early age, Louise was adopted into a family who, from the beginning, said they didn’t want her. Her first book, Thrown Away Child, reveals the abuse and neglect she and a fellow adopted child suffered at the hands of their adopted mother, Barbara. Ten years ago, Louise and her family became a fostering family. They have looked after over twenty children, some have stayed long term. This led to the bestselling series, Thrown Away Children, where Louise is inspired by the stories of children in the care system. Within days, the book became a bestseller.

Louise now draws on her experience to write a new series of ‘How to’ books about adoption, fostering and parenting. How to Adopt a Child is the unvarnished truth about adoption. Louise is well known for “saying it as it is,” so not only is it witty and engaging, it also empowers adopters to feel confident and in control and to know where to turn to for help.

Reviews

[Gail murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Louise gets coned by ss this is a good read but long winded

[Jacki Rhinehart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will open your eyes

This book will open your eyes to many things, including drug trafficing and grooming of young children, how the foster care system is failing and how it can be improved, and how one should be aware of childhood trama and how it affects children and adults, and more. Thank you Louise, for taking all of this on; opening eyes and educating your readers, fighting for and loving children in your care, looking out for children everywhere, and so much more! May God bless you, your family, and all the children you care for.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels different to others in the series but it’s still in keeping with the thrown away series.

I just adore Louise, her grit, drive and determination.

I love how different she is and authentically unapologetic herself.

[Alicia Lovely · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a fair few fostering stories over the years. It’s a strange genre of book to be interested in because although each and every story brings its own heartbreak, they always pull me in. What I also find heartbreaking, is that no matter which authors fostering memoirs you read, they are all highlighting the same thing, which is what an absolute shambolic mess our social services (just like many other UK services) has become. These books really are a cry for help from all of those in the fostering world.

A really good read, which follows yet another young girl who has been lured into a dark world by adult men.

[Heather Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I’ve enjoyed Louise Allen’s books but holy heck this one was frustrating, not because of the book but because of the things that happened during the actual story. Man did the child protective services fail. Not only did they fail the child, but also the foster carers themselves. I can’t imagine how they continued to foster after being treated as they did. Kids are fortunate to end up in homes like the Allen’s. The system should attempt to retain these experienced and long-term carers instead of abuse them.

[Abbie Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another of Louise’s engaging books but the story was very stressful. My heart went out to the whole family having their holiday disrupted, it sounded like a nightmare. I was in foster care myself as a teenager and went on to foster so understand the level of stress plus the lack of support you can receive when needed, (this is why we gave up) but all you do is inspirational. Thanks for your honesty and normality and for helping young people when they need it most.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about a young girl who was exposed to inappropriate sex & trafficking. It’s very well written (as usual) without too many graphic details, but gives you an understanding of how serious this was. I’m glad Louise uncovered the trafficking ring & it’s amazing (but tragically true) how things like this are swept under the rug & covered up!

[Rebecca Fowkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book from Louise Allen, I couldn't put it down. I was angry with the way Louise was conned by social services especially by Freda, she really got me annoyed. Glad that Marilyn is now doing well and her mother. Looking forward to reading Louise Allen's next one.

[Elizabeth Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, as always!

[Kay Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read gives brilliant insight to the life of a foster carer

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

at times i felt grr at times happy and sad, good one =)

[Christie · Rating 2 out of 5]

https://mommysarmyreader.blogspot.com...

[Charlotte Towle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sooooo good! The best one of the series so far, Louise even had me giggling a couple of times!