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A Maggie Hartley Foster Carer Story
Tiny Prisoners
Evie and Elliot are scrawny, filthy and wide-eyed with fear when they turn up on foster carer Maggie Hartley's doorstep. Aged just two and three years old, this brother and sister have hardly set foot outside their own home. They have been prisoners, locked in a terrifying world of abuse, violence and neglect. Maggie soon realises that Evie and Elliot are lacking the basic life skills we all take for granted. The outside world terrifies them; the sound of the doorbell sends them into a panic that takes hours to abate. Gradually unlocking the truth of their heart-breaking upbringing, Maggie tells their shocking true story.From emotionally scarred and damaged little children, we see how - with warmth and dedication - Maggie transforms their lives. As this moving story unfolds, we share Maggie's joy when these children finally smile again, when they realise they do have a future after all.A true story of hope from Sunday Times bestselling author Maggie Hartley, a foster carer for over 20 years.'I truly recommend anyone to read her books' 5* reader review
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2016
727 people are currently reading
818 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
September 11, 2019
This is the remarkable and sad story of brother and sister Evie and Elliot, who have been abused and neglected by their parents, they are only two and three years old. When they turn up on the doorstep of foster carer Maggie Hartley they are in desperate need of a bath and food. Straight away can Maggie can see how terrified these poor children are and immediately her heart goes out to them.
Maggie has been a foster carer for many years and has come across so many children who have been mistreated and neglected just like Evie and Elliot. Maggie now has the challenge of not only caring for Evie and Elliot, but she must find a way of establishing their trust.
Tiny Prisoners is a heartbreaking story of two beautiful children who to no fault of their own ended up in the fostering system. Thank goodness for people like Maggie, who give these children a secure home, love, caring and understanding all the things they never knew existed. This is not a book for everyone because of the subject matter, but it really is worth reading in my opinion. Recommended.
Maggie has been a foster carer for many years and has come across so many children who have been mistreated and neglected just like Evie and Elliot. Maggie now has the challenge of not only caring for Evie and Elliot, but she must find a way of establishing their trust.
Tiny Prisoners is a heartbreaking story of two beautiful children who to no fault of their own ended up in the fostering system. Thank goodness for people like Maggie, who give these children a secure home, love, caring and understanding all the things they never knew existed. This is not a book for everyone because of the subject matter, but it really is worth reading in my opinion. Recommended.
November 14, 2020
Did not sleep tonight due to my insomnia, and wanted an 'easy read' to kill a few hours. This book felt like/looked like/ and read like a Cathy Glass book, but was less ...'preachy', if you know what I mean. Sometimes Cathy Glass' books turn into books about wonderful savior 'CATHY the CARETAKER', and deal less about the actual foster kid's stories.
This one was a bit better than those by Glass, but was still very much in a similar vein. I DO like these 'foster parent stories' because they are true, short, interesting and offer a range of emotions. This is not Shakespeare, but it's not a grocery store book from the rack, either. You *do* get a good idea of the foster care system in the UK.--Jen from Quebec :0)
This one was a bit better than those by Glass, but was still very much in a similar vein. I DO like these 'foster parent stories' because they are true, short, interesting and offer a range of emotions. This is not Shakespeare, but it's not a grocery store book from the rack, either. You *do* get a good idea of the foster care system in the UK.--Jen from Quebec :0)
January 4, 2017
Lovely kids
What a wonderful book you have written Maggie so nice to read an happy ending.
I loved the way you just get on with things...Your children are an inspiration to you they welcomed Evie and Elliot with open arms...
I will be recommending this book to my friends xxx
What a wonderful book you have written Maggie so nice to read an happy ending.
I loved the way you just get on with things...Your children are an inspiration to you they welcomed Evie and Elliot with open arms...
I will be recommending this book to my friends xxx
September 29, 2017
So glad to have discovered this author. She writes with such depth of feeling.
October 3, 2017
Personal Response
I thought this book,Tiny Prisoners was well written, but the story was sad. The fact that it was a true story about two little kids, Evie and Elliot, made it a sad book that ended happy. I don’t believe any children should have to go through the neglect these two children had in their lives before Maggie.
Plot
Tiny Prisoners started with Evie and Elliot’s mom going to their aunt’s house with a knife and threatening to kill their aunt. The mom was in the psychiatric unit before she arrived at the aunt's house, but she had escaped. Social Services believed it would not be safe for the kids to stay with their aunt anymore. Evie and Elliot were then put into the care system. They were placed in a foster home with Maggie. It took some time for the kids to warm up to Maggie. Maggie had a hard time with the kids at the beginning, because she was not given information about the kids past. Once she learned about their past, she learned the father was in prison and their mom was in and out of hospitals. When social workers looked around the house, they also learned that the kids were left to take care of themselves. Time had gone by as the kids were with Maggie, and they had started to feel safe again. Their social skills also had grown. By the end of the book, Evie and Elliot had found their forever home.
Characterization
Elliot
Elliot was a little three year old boy who had to go through a lot at a young age. He was in foster care because this mom did not take good care of him. He was he was left home alone to care for himself. Elliot never wanted anything to do with his birthparents. Maggie’s home was his new safe place He ended being adopted and felt safe.
Evie
Evie was a little two year old girl. She as well had to go through a lot at a young age. Evie took a while to warm up to Maggie, but when she did, she felt safe. Evie did not like having to go to visitation days with her mom. Evie was adopted alongside her brother in the end.
Setting
This book takes place in modern time. Even though it never gives any specific location, from the text, it can be figured out where it takes place. The whole book runs over the course of a few months. That is important to know because, it shows that child abuse still is something happening in today’s world.
Theme
The theme in this book was to never give up. The two kids never gave up hope and put their trust in Maggie, and they were able to find happiness. The kids went through many struggles and felt like there was no hope. The kids found hope in Maggie. If people never give up, they can one day achieve their goals.
Recommendation
I would recommend Tiny Prisoners to boys and girls who are 16 and up. I recommend this to that age because of the mature content of the book. The story that is told in the book is good for both boys and girls to hear. This book is a true story of kids who were neglected. If a student had to read a book for class, this would be a good book to read.
I thought this book,Tiny Prisoners was well written, but the story was sad. The fact that it was a true story about two little kids, Evie and Elliot, made it a sad book that ended happy. I don’t believe any children should have to go through the neglect these two children had in their lives before Maggie.
Plot
Tiny Prisoners started with Evie and Elliot’s mom going to their aunt’s house with a knife and threatening to kill their aunt. The mom was in the psychiatric unit before she arrived at the aunt's house, but she had escaped. Social Services believed it would not be safe for the kids to stay with their aunt anymore. Evie and Elliot were then put into the care system. They were placed in a foster home with Maggie. It took some time for the kids to warm up to Maggie. Maggie had a hard time with the kids at the beginning, because she was not given information about the kids past. Once she learned about their past, she learned the father was in prison and their mom was in and out of hospitals. When social workers looked around the house, they also learned that the kids were left to take care of themselves. Time had gone by as the kids were with Maggie, and they had started to feel safe again. Their social skills also had grown. By the end of the book, Evie and Elliot had found their forever home.
Characterization
Elliot
Elliot was a little three year old boy who had to go through a lot at a young age. He was in foster care because this mom did not take good care of him. He was he was left home alone to care for himself. Elliot never wanted anything to do with his birthparents. Maggie’s home was his new safe place He ended being adopted and felt safe.
Evie
Evie was a little two year old girl. She as well had to go through a lot at a young age. Evie took a while to warm up to Maggie, but when she did, she felt safe. Evie did not like having to go to visitation days with her mom. Evie was adopted alongside her brother in the end.
Setting
This book takes place in modern time. Even though it never gives any specific location, from the text, it can be figured out where it takes place. The whole book runs over the course of a few months. That is important to know because, it shows that child abuse still is something happening in today’s world.
Theme
The theme in this book was to never give up. The two kids never gave up hope and put their trust in Maggie, and they were able to find happiness. The kids went through many struggles and felt like there was no hope. The kids found hope in Maggie. If people never give up, they can one day achieve their goals.
Recommendation
I would recommend Tiny Prisoners to boys and girls who are 16 and up. I recommend this to that age because of the mature content of the book. The story that is told in the book is good for both boys and girls to hear. This book is a true story of kids who were neglected. If a student had to read a book for class, this would be a good book to read.
June 22, 2016
Oh, my god, Maggie is one of the kindest people ever!
This biography takes on a journey that begins when two small traumatized children; Evie and Elliot arrive on Foster carer Maggie's doorstep. This book is beautifully written and within pages, we fall in love with Maggie, Evie, Elliot as well as Maggie's other children and her world somewhere in the English countryside.
As you go through this book, we are shown the magical transformation of Evie and Elliot which could only be done with the nurturing and loving care of a foster worker like Maggie.
I love how we are put in the shoes of the foster carer in this book and it breaks a lot of prejudice people have about foster homes and carers. Throughout the book, we see that Maggie's number interest is the children, she will fight tooth and nail for the best interests of her children and does so without damaging her professional or moral integrity. I don't know how this woman does what she does, I couldn't do it, that's for sure.
One of the best books I've read in 2016 (so far). 5 stars.
This biography takes on a journey that begins when two small traumatized children; Evie and Elliot arrive on Foster carer Maggie's doorstep. This book is beautifully written and within pages, we fall in love with Maggie, Evie, Elliot as well as Maggie's other children and her world somewhere in the English countryside.
As you go through this book, we are shown the magical transformation of Evie and Elliot which could only be done with the nurturing and loving care of a foster worker like Maggie.
I love how we are put in the shoes of the foster carer in this book and it breaks a lot of prejudice people have about foster homes and carers. Throughout the book, we see that Maggie's number interest is the children, she will fight tooth and nail for the best interests of her children and does so without damaging her professional or moral integrity. I don't know how this woman does what she does, I couldn't do it, that's for sure.
One of the best books I've read in 2016 (so far). 5 stars.
October 18, 2022
This is a beautiful story that starts in heartbreak and fear for two little children, and then they embark on a wonderful journey of healing and restoration. I got so absorbed when I was reading this book that I forgot to do some things I needed to get done. That’s how you know a book is really a good one.
Books like this one remind me to pray for foster children and their caregivers and look for ways to help them in a more tangible way, especially ones nearby. I wish I had the ability to be a foster parent, but my disabilities preclude that. I am thankful to be able to do some things in the background that might make life easier for someone, and I focus on that as I read these stories.
Books like this one remind me to pray for foster children and their caregivers and look for ways to help them in a more tangible way, especially ones nearby. I wish I had the ability to be a foster parent, but my disabilities preclude that. I am thankful to be able to do some things in the background that might make life easier for someone, and I focus on that as I read these stories.
December 8, 2023
The trauma these two little ones went through they were prisoners in there own home.they weren't used to loud noises they were scared of being moved again all of maggies calm hard work helped the children have a new. Mummy and daddy who loved them dearly.it was heartbreaking that Elliott birth mum acted like he didn't exist she was all for evie and pushing elliot out Maggie did an amazing job to help the children.feel loved and safe and wanted
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2018
Evie and Elliot
What can you say about this book Maggie has such a big heart these 2 children were damaged by the life they lived with there parents but with Maggie they found how childhood should be they were allowed to be children please read it it's a must read 5 STARS well done Maggie.
What can you say about this book Maggie has such a big heart these 2 children were damaged by the life they lived with there parents but with Maggie they found how childhood should be they were allowed to be children please read it it's a must read 5 STARS well done Maggie.
December 28, 2024
Another really good book from Maggie Hartley. Such a sad case of two little ones in horrible circumstances and a really good exploration of how a start in life like this can affect kids throughout their lives. A lovely ending to the story though! So glad that Evie and Elliot got their forever family.
September 19, 2024
A very good book about a sad story.
December 16, 2017
Inspirational
This book was truly inspiring. I love to read about children that have had bad or unhappy beginnings to find out in the end that there are good people out there who care enough to change these angels lives. I love a happy ending. There are so many bad stories and people out there it's good to know that there are still amazing wonderful people like Maggie and Charlotte and Richard. Thank you being an amazing person Maggie. You are truly one of God's Angels!!!
This book was truly inspiring. I love to read about children that have had bad or unhappy beginnings to find out in the end that there are good people out there who care enough to change these angels lives. I love a happy ending. There are so many bad stories and people out there it's good to know that there are still amazing wonderful people like Maggie and Charlotte and Richard. Thank you being an amazing person Maggie. You are truly one of God's Angels!!!
September 7, 2019
Love never fails (lots of spoilers!)
This story pushed me to read and read and read as quickly as possible. I literally felt a part of the lives shared in this book. Talk about abject fear turned to re-parenting and shocking resilience in a really SHORT time. Plus Mummy Maggie having to fight with certain crazy social workers, cope positively with helping the kids have some sort of positive relationship or at least a goodbye to the parents who couldn’t protect and raise them for various reasons. I continually wondered if Evie has been molested given her intense avoidance of men! The transition to obviously loving adoptive parents was absolutely beautiful especially knowing that these adoptions often fall through or family abuse to adopted kids occur. It feels rare to see this present turn out beautiful. I didn’t feel left in the dark about generally wondering what happened in the end and Maggie’s ability to put the children FIRST and Foremost to everything at even personal attachment and emotions is a extraordinary gift of natural ability and also experience. Her families acceptance and involvement is stellar given they could easily feel neglected or angry about the emotional impact. Seems it’s all something that has helped all to put love and kindness, celebrating the moments and being part of the healing steps too. Absolutely amazing book and know much more then could be shared was around! Very few authors that write about trauma, adoption, carers, abuse and so on can effectively pull you in without nearly or actually traumatizing you in the process! So engaging and hope-full despite the pain you might feel in your soul through these kids perhaps related to our own life histories yet the traumatic themes are not outlandishly explicit while still representing enough details to truly get it! Okay done gushing
This story pushed me to read and read and read as quickly as possible. I literally felt a part of the lives shared in this book. Talk about abject fear turned to re-parenting and shocking resilience in a really SHORT time. Plus Mummy Maggie having to fight with certain crazy social workers, cope positively with helping the kids have some sort of positive relationship or at least a goodbye to the parents who couldn’t protect and raise them for various reasons. I continually wondered if Evie has been molested given her intense avoidance of men! The transition to obviously loving adoptive parents was absolutely beautiful especially knowing that these adoptions often fall through or family abuse to adopted kids occur. It feels rare to see this present turn out beautiful. I didn’t feel left in the dark about generally wondering what happened in the end and Maggie’s ability to put the children FIRST and Foremost to everything at even personal attachment and emotions is a extraordinary gift of natural ability and also experience. Her families acceptance and involvement is stellar given they could easily feel neglected or angry about the emotional impact. Seems it’s all something that has helped all to put love and kindness, celebrating the moments and being part of the healing steps too. Absolutely amazing book and know much more then could be shared was around! Very few authors that write about trauma, adoption, carers, abuse and so on can effectively pull you in without nearly or actually traumatizing you in the process! So engaging and hope-full despite the pain you might feel in your soul through these kids perhaps related to our own life histories yet the traumatic themes are not outlandishly explicit while still representing enough details to truly get it! Okay done gushing
November 17, 2024
Another fantastic book from Maggie Hartley. This heartbreaking book about Elliott and Evie are prisoners in their own home who are so scared of loud noises, locked in a world of violence and neglect.
Maggie works wonders with Evie and Elliott and helps them to become such wonderful children who are no longer frightened in the world. I'm so pleased that Maggie helped Evie and Elliott get their happy ending and have a brilliant future.
Maggie works wonders with Evie and Elliott and helps them to become such wonderful children who are no longer frightened in the world. I'm so pleased that Maggie helped Evie and Elliott get their happy ending and have a brilliant future.
June 9, 2016
fantastic read , found hard to put down
November 8, 2016
Heartbreaking and happy and so many emotions. Maggie you are one very very beautiful lady
June 26, 2016
This is the first book I've read by this author and I couldn't put it down. Loved it.
January 18, 2023
As always Maggie never fails to keep me gripped to the pages, I just love the way she writes her books, so easy to read! Maggie is an amazing foster carer always putting the child need first, she is always so patient and understanding, any parent/guardian can learn so much from reading these books!!
Evie and Elliot had such an awful upbringing, traumatised and mentally abused, these poor children craved nothing more than love and trust from their parents. Thankfully they ended up with Maggie and she worked with them to show them that parents are not all tarnished with that same brush!
Such a beautiful/sad/uplifting book, just to imagine what they went through and had to endure, to see them change through the chapters into two very different little children. Absolutely loved it, well done Maggie, you never fail to change things around for the better in these young lives, you work wonders with them and through your books we can learn to do the same with our own families. You’re a true inspiration, Thankyou!!
Evie and Elliot had such an awful upbringing, traumatised and mentally abused, these poor children craved nothing more than love and trust from their parents. Thankfully they ended up with Maggie and she worked with them to show them that parents are not all tarnished with that same brush!
Such a beautiful/sad/uplifting book, just to imagine what they went through and had to endure, to see them change through the chapters into two very different little children. Absolutely loved it, well done Maggie, you never fail to change things around for the better in these young lives, you work wonders with them and through your books we can learn to do the same with our own families. You’re a true inspiration, Thankyou!!
August 17, 2017
Maggie Hartley Is A Gifted Mother, Author And Heroine!
Maggie's books are always excellent and this may be my favorite yet. Maggie has many talents and one is that she paints the story so that one seems to almost be there bearing witness. The true story of children so terribly neglected and abused is .heart wrenching and made me cry for them.
The way Maggie can intuitively see the needs of children is a blessing and her determined actions to truly be a force of goodness to help children is a wonder to behold. Throughout all the struggles I was amazed at her creative solutions and find great parenting tips for myself. She is full of love, great humor and wit that leap off the pages.
Maggie Hartley has become a favorite author and a personal heroine to me. As a former foster child who bounced in and out of 15 foster homes because of abuses and neglect, she is every foster child's dream. This is her calling and she can share these stories so well is a gift to all.
Maggie's books are always excellent and this may be my favorite yet. Maggie has many talents and one is that she paints the story so that one seems to almost be there bearing witness. The true story of children so terribly neglected and abused is .heart wrenching and made me cry for them.
The way Maggie can intuitively see the needs of children is a blessing and her determined actions to truly be a force of goodness to help children is a wonder to behold. Throughout all the struggles I was amazed at her creative solutions and find great parenting tips for myself. She is full of love, great humor and wit that leap off the pages.
Maggie Hartley has become a favorite author and a personal heroine to me. As a former foster child who bounced in and out of 15 foster homes because of abuses and neglect, she is every foster child's dream. This is her calling and she can share these stories so well is a gift to all.
November 8, 2019
This is a story told by a devoted foster mother-or foster carer as the British system calls them. It was a fascinating read of how a foster mother has two tiny children brought to her who have never had any care or affection in their short lives. They are very afraid of everything and everybody. They latch onto their foster mother and the 3 children who live there. The author is the foster mother and writes of her step by step method to introduce them to the neighborhood, other adults, and into the school system. She eventually helps them transition into adoption.
There are some subtle differences between the British system and the American foster system. There seems to be more support for the "carers" in the British system than the American one. Maggie is known for handling difficult cases and she seems to get a lot of emotional support from social workers. I have not seen that in our American system.
There are some subtle differences between the British system and the American foster system. There seems to be more support for the "carers" in the British system than the American one. Maggie is known for handling difficult cases and she seems to get a lot of emotional support from social workers. I have not seen that in our American system.
October 28, 2017
This book is about two small children who were taken into care because their parents couldn't cope with being parents in any way, shape or form, a fact which sadly had left their children struggling. It tells the story, from the point of view of the foster mother involved, of their rehabilitation and consequent successful adoption.
It is a real delight to read of so successful an outcome for the children involved. The world is a better place for containing foster mums like Maggie Hartley and adoptive parents like Charlotte and Richard!
The one thing that I really didn't like about the book is its subtitle - why not just stop at Tiny Prisoners? The rest is a bit over the top even as a description - just one woman? seems to me the system actually worked here to free the children from abuse! - and is completely unnecessary as part of the title.
It is a real delight to read of so successful an outcome for the children involved. The world is a better place for containing foster mums like Maggie Hartley and adoptive parents like Charlotte and Richard!
The one thing that I really didn't like about the book is its subtitle - why not just stop at Tiny Prisoners? The rest is a bit over the top even as a description - just one woman? seems to me the system actually worked here to free the children from abuse! - and is completely unnecessary as part of the title.
August 24, 2017
Tiny prisoners turned into happy, healthy children
I am always in awe at how insightful and nurturing some people are and Maggie might just be the very best ever!
In this world today, it is all too often that we read about people put in charge of abused, abandoned children, who then exploit and abuse them further for their own perverted reasons.
How refreshing it was to travel through this book and watch Maggie work her magic on these precious babies.
PLEASE, SOCIAL SERVICES, LEARN SOMETHING HERE!!
I just learned SO MUCH from her and was so relieved each time these children were able to let go of their fears and angst.
Job well done indeed Maggie!
I am looking forward to reading all your other success stories and celebrating each child's success.
I am always in awe at how insightful and nurturing some people are and Maggie might just be the very best ever!
In this world today, it is all too often that we read about people put in charge of abused, abandoned children, who then exploit and abuse them further for their own perverted reasons.
How refreshing it was to travel through this book and watch Maggie work her magic on these precious babies.
PLEASE, SOCIAL SERVICES, LEARN SOMETHING HERE!!
I just learned SO MUCH from her and was so relieved each time these children were able to let go of their fears and angst.
Job well done indeed Maggie!
I am looking forward to reading all your other success stories and celebrating each child's success.
November 19, 2018
Heart warming story
This is a wonderful story of what skilled and experienced love can do for a child. I say love because without it all the skill and experience in the world is worthless when it comes to gaining the trust of a child. Good foster parents are a joy and this book shows just how much patience it takes, both to deal with the children and the social workers. Don't get me wrong, most social workers are, in general, doing a good job under appalling circumstances but there are a significant few who are doing an appalling job under any circumstance and children and foster parents suffer as a result.
The story is very factual and nonjudgmental and is more powerful for all that and I would recommend it for anyone thinking of fostering.
This is a wonderful story of what skilled and experienced love can do for a child. I say love because without it all the skill and experience in the world is worthless when it comes to gaining the trust of a child. Good foster parents are a joy and this book shows just how much patience it takes, both to deal with the children and the social workers. Don't get me wrong, most social workers are, in general, doing a good job under appalling circumstances but there are a significant few who are doing an appalling job under any circumstance and children and foster parents suffer as a result.
The story is very factual and nonjudgmental and is more powerful for all that and I would recommend it for anyone thinking of fostering.
March 3, 2020
Tiny Prisoners: Two siblings trapped in a world of abuse
This is a story of overwhelming love and unconditional support- and a bit of a miracle- to save two young children from a life of destitution. The details allow the reader to see, feel, and hear what is was like for the people in this saga. As a child advocate, it is amazing how the adults place the children’s needs before their own, and the overwhelming benefits everyone reaps will make your heart burst. I wish more adults who take these steps when child welfare is involved. Sad that our society produces these tragic events for children but thanks to angels on earth, Maggie & her family, the world is a better place. I absolutely love the narrators voice & could listen to her lyrical voice all day. Well done!
This is a story of overwhelming love and unconditional support- and a bit of a miracle- to save two young children from a life of destitution. The details allow the reader to see, feel, and hear what is was like for the people in this saga. As a child advocate, it is amazing how the adults place the children’s needs before their own, and the overwhelming benefits everyone reaps will make your heart burst. I wish more adults who take these steps when child welfare is involved. Sad that our society produces these tragic events for children but thanks to angels on earth, Maggie & her family, the world is a better place. I absolutely love the narrators voice & could listen to her lyrical voice all day. Well done!
December 1, 2025
This book is heartbreaking in the most gentle way. Maggie takes in two tiny children who have seen far too much, and you feel every bit of their fear, confusion, and slow healing. The writing is simple but emotional, and the way she describes their little behaviours makes you realise how deep trauma can go.
It’s one of those stories that opens your eyes to what children can survive and how much patience and love it takes to help them feel safe again. There’s no glamour here, just real life, real pain, and real progress, one small step at a time.
It’s heavy at times, but it’s also hopeful. Maggie shows that healing doesn’t look dramatic sometimes it’s just a child taking a breath, relaxing a shoulder, or allowing a moment of kindness
It’s one of those stories that opens your eyes to what children can survive and how much patience and love it takes to help them feel safe again. There’s no glamour here, just real life, real pain, and real progress, one small step at a time.
It’s heavy at times, but it’s also hopeful. Maggie shows that healing doesn’t look dramatic sometimes it’s just a child taking a breath, relaxing a shoulder, or allowing a moment of kindness
April 3, 2024
A beautiful life for two beautiful children. 😍
What a truly wonderful lady, Maggie is. To take those terrified little babies into her home. Her perseverance has been rewarded with turning those kiddies' lives around. Giving them security, love, and a great outcome.
It's a good job that Karen didn't get her way! A disaster was averted.
Maggies' own children were wonderful, too. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
PS : Christmas made me laugh to myself when Maggie cut the Santa boot out for the chimney... My dad put his Wellington boot in the ashes of the chimney. I believed for many years until I saw the boots in the garage!! Lol 😆
What a truly wonderful lady, Maggie is. To take those terrified little babies into her home. Her perseverance has been rewarded with turning those kiddies' lives around. Giving them security, love, and a great outcome.
It's a good job that Karen didn't get her way! A disaster was averted.
Maggies' own children were wonderful, too. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
PS : Christmas made me laugh to myself when Maggie cut the Santa boot out for the chimney... My dad put his Wellington boot in the ashes of the chimney. I believed for many years until I saw the boots in the garage!! Lol 😆
January 23, 2025
This was the first book I read of this author. I was not disappointed and in fact got me hooked enough to want to read ALL her books! This author’s writing style was engaging and easy to follow. She has many great ideas on what to do with kids (activities, coping mechanisms, etc.). It did feel like the book was a bit fast paced but I feel that could be due to the amount of time it took place over vs. the amount that could be realistically written (the size of the books). As mentioned above, I can NOT wait to read more! I do hope to see more of how her own kids or other foster kids interact with the various other kids that come through her door.
October 26, 2017
This book was a beautiful description of two very young children whose lives were severely affected by a mother who cared very little for them and a father who was incarcerated. This story was heartwarming but at the same time very sad. The author did a lovely job in describing how the children eventually overcame their fears and became adoptable. The author's style was very readable although it was definitely British. Some words and idioms were a bit confusing but did not affect my enjoyment of the book. I would highly recommend this book.
January 29, 2018
So sweet!
I love warm stories about people who have had horrible times, and are saved. These poor little kiddies, their blossoming under a motherly foster mom who knew just what they needed was just candy to read. Unfortunately, there were so many questions left unanswered and the actual histories of these 2 were unknown and untold. I don't think I would read any more books by this writer as I require more detail and analytical approach. Happy ending a big plus, but a bit Hallmark-Y.
I love warm stories about people who have had horrible times, and are saved. These poor little kiddies, their blossoming under a motherly foster mom who knew just what they needed was just candy to read. Unfortunately, there were so many questions left unanswered and the actual histories of these 2 were unknown and untold. I don't think I would read any more books by this writer as I require more detail and analytical approach. Happy ending a big plus, but a bit Hallmark-Y.
February 20, 2018
Out of the Ashes
A trail of horror traversed to reach Foster Carer Maggie. Maggie starts at square one, routines with regular meals. Teaching Evie and Elliot how to play, imagine, he a child.. From the moment they crossed her doorstep her goal was to get her little ready for their forever home. After 19 months the children are ready, willing, and miraculously able to have their forever Mummy and Daddy. The children's spirits rose, like a Phoenix, triumphantly from their pasts to their brilliant future.
A trail of horror traversed to reach Foster Carer Maggie. Maggie starts at square one, routines with regular meals. Teaching Evie and Elliot how to play, imagine, he a child.. From the moment they crossed her doorstep her goal was to get her little ready for their forever home. After 19 months the children are ready, willing, and miraculously able to have their forever Mummy and Daddy. The children's spirits rose, like a Phoenix, triumphantly from their pasts to their brilliant future.
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