A Penny Parcel

by Avery E. Hitch

In the year 1910, Luke Tanner, an upstanding social icon in the quiet but politically powerful town of Galesburg, Vermont, adopts Ashley, an abused orphan girl. Because the cost of processing the paperwork is a single cent, orphans like Ashley are called "penny parcels," seen by society as only worth that much. But Ashley doesn't want a daddy, she would prefer to remain in the security of the orphanage, where her past can remain secret. Luke's wife, Grace, and their son, Wesley, try to love Ashley and help her break through the emotional walls around her bruised and broken heart. But her inability to live up to Luke Tanner's standard of performance, as well as her tainted perception of family dynamics, isolate Ashley from those who care about her the most. With both of them waging war on their own personal battlefields, Luke and Ashley collide. Their conflicts initiate a sovereign tragedy.

Genres: Historical Fiction

490 pages, Paperback

First published December 21, 2006

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age Appropriate For: 15 and up (child abuse somewhat detailed and the emotional trauma of that is fairly detailed)
Best for Ages: 15 and up
I was not prepared for this to be one of those books that tears your heart apart and leaves you feeling deeply satisfied down to the very core of your being. I had loved what I had read about the author on her website years ago (it’s sadly no longer up) and had placed this book on my to-read list.
This story is not for the faint of heart. Yet, if you have ever dealt with children either in foster care or adoption or known someone who has dealt with abuse, I would say this story will be something you won’t want to miss. The author does not go into a lot of gory detail about the actual physical and emotional abuse (which is not sexual abuse) yet it is hard to read about. However, the emotional trauma that is caused by the abuse is vivid so be aware.
While most of the story is told from Ashley’s point of view, we also get to see the story from her adoptive father’s point of view. Both perspectives are well written, deep, and realistic. I felt every drop of the fear and anger, the pain and hurt, the mistrust and desperation they experienced. The emotional tide of this book just swept me along from page one until the end, which is why I am so glad I read it on a Sunday and devoted a day to reading. It.
The spiritual value of this book is just amazing. You might think from what I’ve said before this that this book is sad and depressing. There were times when I thought it was going to be that way. Yet, the author built in the hope of our faith in a realistic and powerful way. It was a natural part of the story. When the breakthrough came, I almost wanted to stand up and cheer. As I said before, it was deeply satisfying.
This book is hard to do justice to in a review. However, it made me once again remember to show compassion to others. You never know what kind of trauma in their past is causing them to act the way they are. I only wish there were more books like this.
I highly recommend this book to older readers who want a soul-satisfying read, an emotional story that builds-up, or those who are interested in adoption.

[Phoebs · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 this was a really good book… I teared up several times 🥹😊

[Rebekah Morris]

I only skimmed this book and decided that my blood pressure, my heart, and my emotions couldn't handle almost 490 pages of abuse. No, not all physical, but mental and emotional abuse is just as bad if not worse. Yes, I read the ending and it all came out right, finally, and maybe if the book was half the length I could have handled it, but it was too much.

[rye · Rating 5 out of 5]

DUDE THIS BOOK WAS FREAKING AWESOME!!!!

Lemme tell you how I got this....

So I read all my books due to being quarantined, and I was like, I'mma read some of my mom's books. So I was looking for a really long book, and I chose this one, now even looking at the summary of the book until I was safely in my room lol.

In Galesburg, Vermont, Luke Tanner is an upper crust. He wants to keep his good reputation around the small town. His family are a blind wife, and two adorable orphans, Wes (10 yrs) and Cherish (5 mo. At beginning of book.). Then when his wife Grace wants a little orphan named Ashley, Luke realizes his family will change drastically.....for the greater good?

This story is based on a true story, and as a 6 year old, Ashley gross up first with an abusive family, she realizes that there is no such thing as love. When she spends two years back at the orphanage and is suddenly adopted, she finds that not all men are big, mean people....

I'mma just say it again, I fell in love with this book. Took me two days to read it....I definitely suggest if you are fine with abuse books and yeah.

[Missy Shirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my favorite storybook ever!

[Amy Filchak]

DNF

[Avigail Yess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good but quite sad.

[Kayla Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously could not put this book down! The author does an amazing job weaving the story full of trauma and yet redemption!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever been interested in adopting? This is a great book to help one be prepared for the hurts and struggles orphans often bring with them. However, there is hope in Christ, the healer who heals us all!!

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story and writing not only for a writer but for a 19(I think) year old. Really sweet loving story.Aw...

[Elaine]

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[Kaity-Jane Culbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a few years back and highly recommend it.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

My family friend wrote this book! She is a talented writer!