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A Hand for Me: Inspired by a True Adoption Story
Sometimes, the greatest gift is a second chance at family.At three years old, Robby faces rejection from his birth mother and the harsh reality of life in an orphanage. For two years, he endures the emotional rollercoaster of trial days with potential parents, only to be returned each time.
But when Catherine chooses to adopt him, she offers more than just a home. She offers hope.
As Robby grows, so do the challenges. His early trauma shapes his personality, leading him from a mischievous boy into a free-spirited young man. With Catherine's unwavering support, he discovers the strength to forge his own path—one in which he can belong, adventure, and eventually gain reconciliation with his past.
Inspired by true events, A Hand for Me is a deeply moving exploration of the transformative power of adoption and the unbreakable bond of a mother’s commitment.
Diane M. Dresback’s story will touch your heart and renew your faith that unconditional love can heal even the deepest wounds. It reminds us that family is not defined by blood but by the choices we make and the love we share.
But when Catherine chooses to adopt him, she offers more than just a home. She offers hope.
As Robby grows, so do the challenges. His early trauma shapes his personality, leading him from a mischievous boy into a free-spirited young man. With Catherine's unwavering support, he discovers the strength to forge his own path—one in which he can belong, adventure, and eventually gain reconciliation with his past.
Inspired by true events, A Hand for Me is a deeply moving exploration of the transformative power of adoption and the unbreakable bond of a mother’s commitment.
Diane M. Dresback’s story will touch your heart and renew your faith that unconditional love can heal even the deepest wounds. It reminds us that family is not defined by blood but by the choices we make and the love we share.
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About the author
Diane M. Dresback
11 books14 followersDiane M. Dresback enjoys sharing stories through novels, self-help books, and films. She writes unique women’s thrillers that often tackle thought-provoking subjects and are quick, engaging reads. Usually, they involve strong female characters paired with a psychological, sci-fi, or medical element. Her latest fiction story is a trilogy that begins with one character waking up in a stranger's body.
She also ventures into true stories, such as her two adoption novels, which are based on her own and her brother’s adoption journeys, and a book featuring stories from 25 inspirational women who share their struggles and triumphs to bring hope and inspiration to others.
In 2007, Diane M. Dresback began working in the independent film industry in Arizona. She has written, directed, and/or produced over 40 short films, winning numerous awards. She has also written several feature-length screenplays adapted from her novels, as well as one she co-produced, called Paranoia. Diane received the 2012 Arizona Filmmaker of the Year Award from the Phoenix Film Foundation.
Diane has over 27 years of corporate Human Resources and Training experience, with most of that time in management and executive-level positions in the financial and travel industries. She holds a Master’s degree in Adult Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services.
She also ventures into true stories, such as her two adoption novels, which are based on her own and her brother’s adoption journeys, and a book featuring stories from 25 inspirational women who share their struggles and triumphs to bring hope and inspiration to others.
In 2007, Diane M. Dresback began working in the independent film industry in Arizona. She has written, directed, and/or produced over 40 short films, winning numerous awards. She has also written several feature-length screenplays adapted from her novels, as well as one she co-produced, called Paranoia. Diane received the 2012 Arizona Filmmaker of the Year Award from the Phoenix Film Foundation.
Diane has over 27 years of corporate Human Resources and Training experience, with most of that time in management and executive-level positions in the financial and travel industries. She holds a Master’s degree in Adult Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 14, 2024
I received an advance reader copy of this book and I couldnt wait to leave this review! What an incredible heartfelt story! I couldnt put this book down! Diane has a special gift of story telling! The fact that this was a true story of adoption about her very own brother really touched my heart! I just love all your books but I have to say this was my favorite!!
November 14, 2024
I received an advanced copy of “A Hand for Me” and write this review recommending the book of my own volition.
“A Hand for Me” is captivating. It is a story for those who have had trouble conceiving, for those who remember “homes for unwed Mothers” and the accompanying orphanages of the 50’s, and for all who wonder how people become fringe members of society.
This little boy is in such wonderment of all around him at a very young age. He forms opinions as he moves with complete innocence in his orphanage environment. He is everything adorable and sweet: every parent’s dream. Speculations abound how he came to live in an orphanage. For me, it is his tender-aged mind that makes this novel so compelling.
Young children share a foreboding feeling when things screw up, they must be responsible, as is the case in divorce. We see this foreboding feeling unfold in this boy’s life as a new family bestows unconditional love upon him. He returns that love amidst an even-greater compulsion to be braver or more well-liked so he doesn’t slip back into the loveless morass from whence he came, perhaps where he belongs…?
The reason I enjoy reading Diane Dresback’s stories is they feature character evolution. Many other series authors I have read could well be using AI - featuring a series of unfortunate events to which a stock character reacts resulting in a conclusion.
By Diane’s challenging herself to think through a character’s machinations, she takes you into the private thoughts of people you may not have the privilege to know in real life.
“A Hand for Me” is captivating. It is a story for those who have had trouble conceiving, for those who remember “homes for unwed Mothers” and the accompanying orphanages of the 50’s, and for all who wonder how people become fringe members of society.
This little boy is in such wonderment of all around him at a very young age. He forms opinions as he moves with complete innocence in his orphanage environment. He is everything adorable and sweet: every parent’s dream. Speculations abound how he came to live in an orphanage. For me, it is his tender-aged mind that makes this novel so compelling.
Young children share a foreboding feeling when things screw up, they must be responsible, as is the case in divorce. We see this foreboding feeling unfold in this boy’s life as a new family bestows unconditional love upon him. He returns that love amidst an even-greater compulsion to be braver or more well-liked so he doesn’t slip back into the loveless morass from whence he came, perhaps where he belongs…?
The reason I enjoy reading Diane Dresback’s stories is they feature character evolution. Many other series authors I have read could well be using AI - featuring a series of unfortunate events to which a stock character reacts resulting in a conclusion.
By Diane’s challenging herself to think through a character’s machinations, she takes you into the private thoughts of people you may not have the privilege to know in real life.
April 10, 2025
A Hand For Me. by Diane M. Dresback.
This was a book that had me captivated in the first few pages … next thing I knew the book is almost halfway through … did I really read that much …
Robby is just a 3 year old boy .. he knows he has a mummy and thinks he has been a naughty boy that is why he is in this big house … she will be back tomorrow to get him .. he will be good! Why is his sister not there too .. a couple of years later he is still there in this place he has been told is an orphanage … a few times he has been out with couples but always brought back … was he naughty to them too?
One lady comes on her own, her husband can’t come .. she takes him home and she is kind and loving!
His life is speckled with some challenging behaviour .. but never do his adopted parents give up on him!
This is a well written book of his life.
This was a book that had me captivated in the first few pages … next thing I knew the book is almost halfway through … did I really read that much …
Robby is just a 3 year old boy .. he knows he has a mummy and thinks he has been a naughty boy that is why he is in this big house … she will be back tomorrow to get him .. he will be good! Why is his sister not there too .. a couple of years later he is still there in this place he has been told is an orphanage … a few times he has been out with couples but always brought back … was he naughty to them too?
One lady comes on her own, her husband can’t come .. she takes him home and she is kind and loving!
His life is speckled with some challenging behaviour .. but never do his adopted parents give up on him!
This is a well written book of his life.
May 31, 2025
WOW!
Wow wow wow! And wow! Best adoption memoir couplet I’ve ever read! Incredibly well written and engaging, completely inspirational! Don’t forget to read the first memoir, “Room for Another”, although truly “A Hand for Me” and “Room for Another” can easily be read in any order. You won’t want to put them down! You will love Robby and Melissa, Catherine and Edward! You will love Teresa, Jackie and Edward’s older brother whose name I can’t remember from the first book but maybe it was Phil. These books are so clean, so clearly true, though some conversations and derails have needed to be fictionalized, and very well written! I only wish I could read these again for the first time! So thankful to Diane Dresback for sharing her experiences!
Wow wow wow! And wow! Best adoption memoir couplet I’ve ever read! Incredibly well written and engaging, completely inspirational! Don’t forget to read the first memoir, “Room for Another”, although truly “A Hand for Me” and “Room for Another” can easily be read in any order. You won’t want to put them down! You will love Robby and Melissa, Catherine and Edward! You will love Teresa, Jackie and Edward’s older brother whose name I can’t remember from the first book but maybe it was Phil. These books are so clean, so clearly true, though some conversations and derails have needed to be fictionalized, and very well written! I only wish I could read these again for the first time! So thankful to Diane Dresback for sharing her experiences!
September 12, 2025
I almost put this book down as after reading a few chapters, I felt very little connection to the main characters. I am so glad that I preserved!
"A Hand for Me" is a book about how a child, once abandoned by his birth mother, grew up in a loving, caring, adopted family.
I don't want to say much more for fear of spoiling the story, but I must say that this book had an unexpected effect on me, personally, and I will not soon forget it.
I also appreciated that the author didn't leave readers wondering about who these people really were and gave us the opportunity to view real pictures within her blog at the end.
I definitely recommend it and am presently looking into other works written by Diane M. Dresback.
"A Hand for Me" is a book about how a child, once abandoned by his birth mother, grew up in a loving, caring, adopted family.
I don't want to say much more for fear of spoiling the story, but I must say that this book had an unexpected effect on me, personally, and I will not soon forget it.
I also appreciated that the author didn't leave readers wondering about who these people really were and gave us the opportunity to view real pictures within her blog at the end.
I definitely recommend it and am presently looking into other works written by Diane M. Dresback.
May 1, 2025
still my child
Finished this book in one day. As a mother to two adopted children much of this story struck very close to home! Most people don’t realize the time, tears and patience it requires to adopt a child. In addition the year you are required to wait to legally call this child your own is nerve wracking. I know that not all adoptions are fairytales but some of us are blessed……if you are a parent in any way shape or form you will thoroughly enjoy this heart grabbing story.
Finished this book in one day. As a mother to two adopted children much of this story struck very close to home! Most people don’t realize the time, tears and patience it requires to adopt a child. In addition the year you are required to wait to legally call this child your own is nerve wracking. I know that not all adoptions are fairytales but some of us are blessed……if you are a parent in any way shape or form you will thoroughly enjoy this heart grabbing story.
May 31, 2025
This story focused more on Robbie’s journey through adoption. I have now read both of the adopted children’s stories and it was nice to be able to see the vast difference but also the unconditional love their adopted mother provided them. There were plenty of times most would have given up, and she provided unconditional love and support and shoes her devotion to loving and caring for them.
Thank you for sharing your story
Thank you for sharing your story
July 24, 2025
awesome book!
i was so enthralled with this book, i read it in one evening! i could not put it down! how wonderful that 2 people opened up their hearts and lives to rescue a child that wasnt wanted by his birth mother and raised not only him but another to be fine upstanding adults. A true blessing!
i was so enthralled with this book, i read it in one evening! i could not put it down! how wonderful that 2 people opened up their hearts and lives to rescue a child that wasnt wanted by his birth mother and raised not only him but another to be fine upstanding adults. A true blessing!
November 14, 2024
What a touching story! It amazes me how early experiences can influence us so heavily and shape our decisions and actions. This is a fantastic book to read!
I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
April 1, 2025
Enjoyed the read
I really enjoyed this book. It read to me more like a memoir. It was honest, sad, funny, and heart breaking at times. I enjoyed how the author brought the characters to life.
I really enjoyed this book. It read to me more like a memoir. It was honest, sad, funny, and heart breaking at times. I enjoyed how the author brought the characters to life.
May 13, 2025
Another Chance
I really enjoyed this book. A real page turner as you read about Robby and his development as a person being adopted at age 3. Loving a person at face value - for who they are instead of how they act or who you wanted them to be. Unconditional love. Great story.
I really enjoyed this book. A real page turner as you read about Robby and his development as a person being adopted at age 3. Loving a person at face value - for who they are instead of how they act or who you wanted them to be. Unconditional love. Great story.
July 1, 2025
A hand for me
I really liked this book. It was realistic, and the characters were believable and real. There is no stereotype of women who adopt or who give up a child for adoption. Wondering where you came from and then finding out you have living blood relatives.
I really liked this book. It was realistic, and the characters were believable and real. There is no stereotype of women who adopt or who give up a child for adoption. Wondering where you came from and then finding out you have living blood relatives.
October 15, 2025
Heart-wrenching and Poignant
As an adoptee, this was a hard read at times. I could identify with a lot of Robby's experiences concerning his birth family. I also appreciate my adoptive parents as much as they did.
As an adoptee, this was a hard read at times. I could identify with a lot of Robby's experiences concerning his birth family. I also appreciate my adoptive parents as much as they did.
February 19, 2025
Genuine
A heartfelt story of the author’s adopted brother’s story. She covers the good and the bad in an easy to read narrative . I quite enjoyed it!
A heartfelt story of the author’s adopted brother’s story. She covers the good and the bad in an easy to read narrative . I quite enjoyed it!
March 3, 2025
Awesome read. Read it in 2 days. Forgot to put in my currently reading yesterday (March 1, 2025) so put it into today. Finished it today.
March 18, 2025
Great read!
I really enjoyed this book. I read it in just a couple of days. Always something else around the corner and I had to see what it was going to be. Very well written.
I really enjoyed this book. I read it in just a couple of days. Always something else around the corner and I had to see what it was going to be. Very well written.
May 8, 2025
I loved this book,even though it is very sad,it is a happy ending for our favorite characters.
May 26, 2025
Story !
What a story, love how honest and loving this family was. I have 2 adopted grandchildren who are very loved! But how do we know feelings?
What a story, love how honest and loving this family was. I have 2 adopted grandchildren who are very loved! But how do we know feelings?
June 24, 2025
This book had a good story but hard to read in places especially when describing this boy's birth mother. He was very lucky to be adopted into a loving home.
August 26, 2025
Fantastic read , really hard to put down
November 2, 2025
great book
I really enjoyed this book. Sad in the beginning but it ended well. I read it fairly quickly because I found it hard to put down. Highly recommend
I really enjoyed this book. Sad in the beginning but it ended well. I read it fairly quickly because I found it hard to put down. Highly recommend
November 7, 2025
Very Interesting story!
I couldn’t put it down. Hard to believe some heartless mother could give her toddler away, but then his life became so much better!
I couldn’t put it down. Hard to believe some heartless mother could give her toddler away, but then his life became so much better!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews