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Broken: A traumatised girl. Her troubled brother. Their shocking secret.
Nine-year-old Archie and his five-year-old sister, Bobbi, are taken into emergency police protective custody after an incident of domestic violence at their family home.
Rosie collects the children from their out-of-hours foster carer on New Year’s Day and instantly recognises Archie from a domestic violence workshop she helped with. Rosie remembers that when asked what he enjoyed most about the course, Archie ‘the biscuits’.
Social workers are concerned that Archie and Bobbi have been neglected. As Rosie gets to know the children, she begins to suspect that something far more disturbing lies in their past.
Archie, jovial and polite, bats away Rosie’s attempts to talk to him about anything serious with witty one-liners and sophisticated distractions. Bobbi reacts violently, lashing out and throwing herself around. Rosie has never seen a child as young a Bobbi behaving so viciously, but it is Archie she is most concerned about as the weeks go by.
After a worrying incident at school, Archie tearfully discloses the truth – a shocking secret that has left him and his sister traumatised. Horrified at what she learns, Rosie is determined to help the young siblings find a forever-home that will provide them with the love and care they deserve.
Rosie collects the children from their out-of-hours foster carer on New Year’s Day and instantly recognises Archie from a domestic violence workshop she helped with. Rosie remembers that when asked what he enjoyed most about the course, Archie ‘the biscuits’.
Social workers are concerned that Archie and Bobbi have been neglected. As Rosie gets to know the children, she begins to suspect that something far more disturbing lies in their past.
Archie, jovial and polite, bats away Rosie’s attempts to talk to him about anything serious with witty one-liners and sophisticated distractions. Bobbi reacts violently, lashing out and throwing herself around. Rosie has never seen a child as young a Bobbi behaving so viciously, but it is Archie she is most concerned about as the weeks go by.
After a worrying incident at school, Archie tearfully discloses the truth – a shocking secret that has left him and his sister traumatised. Horrified at what she learns, Rosie is determined to help the young siblings find a forever-home that will provide them with the love and care they deserve.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2017
200 people are currently reading
656 people want to read
About the author
Rosie Lewis
37 books189 followersRosie Lewis has been a short-term foster carer for over seven years and in that time has shared her home with over twenty children. Since childhood, Rosie has had an obsession with books and is now delighted to combine fostering with her other passion, writing, by recording some of her experiences in a series of memoirs. Based in northern England, Rosie writes under a pseudonym to protect the identities of the children she looks after.
She lives in the North of England with her own two children.
She lives in the North of England with her own two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 28, 2017
Being a foster carer must be heart breaking as well as rewarding. It’s certainly not a job that most could do. You have to have a lot of time and patience for the children in your care of which Rosie seems to have in abundance, even though her limits can be pushed daily. Bobbi certainly would have been to much for me to handle and it was great to read how Rosie deals with it.
Archie and Bobbi my heart literally broke for. For being so young they have been through a lot. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what it must be like at such a young age to be taken away from your home and mum and to be put with a stranger. Archie comes across as distant but well behaved and well mannered. Bobbi bless her is like a hurricane. She is very demanding and her behaviour made me cringe. There is a part in the book where Rosie takes the children out and Bobbi has a bit of a melt down. She goes into how she doesn’t tell people that the children are in care as they shouldn’t judge and I have to admit it made me feel guilty as that is exactly what I probably would have done. Knowing all the facts makes us have more allowances and the next time a child seems to be misbehaving I won’t be so quick to judge.
Broken had me going through so many emotions. It made me feel sad that any child should have to endure anything other than a normal and happy childhood. Anger at how some parents are more bothered about themselves than their children. It really will put you through the mill. It was so good to see how much head way Rosie made with the children though and not to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read it, but a very satisfying ending that had me reaching for my tissues.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Archie and Bobbi my heart literally broke for. For being so young they have been through a lot. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what it must be like at such a young age to be taken away from your home and mum and to be put with a stranger. Archie comes across as distant but well behaved and well mannered. Bobbi bless her is like a hurricane. She is very demanding and her behaviour made me cringe. There is a part in the book where Rosie takes the children out and Bobbi has a bit of a melt down. She goes into how she doesn’t tell people that the children are in care as they shouldn’t judge and I have to admit it made me feel guilty as that is exactly what I probably would have done. Knowing all the facts makes us have more allowances and the next time a child seems to be misbehaving I won’t be so quick to judge.
Broken had me going through so many emotions. It made me feel sad that any child should have to endure anything other than a normal and happy childhood. Anger at how some parents are more bothered about themselves than their children. It really will put you through the mill. It was so good to see how much head way Rosie made with the children though and not to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read it, but a very satisfying ending that had me reaching for my tissues.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
September 2, 2023
Harrowing and very traumatic.
It’s been quite a minute since I’ve read one of Rosie Lewis books, it’s not the sort of read you can say “oh I enjoyed that”.it is though books like this that make us aware, thankful and admire and feel grateful for those that can do this and bring a child within your fold, your job, your home and make them feel loved again, safe.
It was great to see positive results. I often wonder though, what about when they get to be adults.
It’s been quite a minute since I’ve read one of Rosie Lewis books, it’s not the sort of read you can say “oh I enjoyed that”.it is though books like this that make us aware, thankful and admire and feel grateful for those that can do this and bring a child within your fold, your job, your home and make them feel loved again, safe.
It was great to see positive results. I often wonder though, what about when they get to be adults.
February 18, 2018
It has been a long time since I read a book by Rosie Lewis so I had forgotten just how much her books affect me. As someone who works with young children I often find books based around traumatic childhood experiences difficult to read. But having friends who are foster carers has also made me realise that that, although there are a wide range of professionals out there to help these children, it’s those who foster that have to deal the everyday behaviour of children affected by some pretty horrific family problems. It takes a very special person me accept the challenge of taking children into their own home and family, often at incredibly short notice and with very little background detail. It’s not something I could ever see myself doing so I am full of admiration for those that are able to provide this, often difficult, support to those in need.
Rosie Lewis has taken in a brother and sister after they are judged at risk from their mother and stepfather. They have no contact with their natural father although this is something their social worker Danny is trying to change. Archie, the eldest of the two children is a polite and thoughtful little boy but Bobbi the youngest at 5 is difficult to handle due to a possible ADHD diagnosis. She had just started school but neither child had been going regularly so it’s left to Rosie to deal with their educational needs. When after a few weeks Rosie is called into school, shockingly it isn’t to do with Bobbi. What has happened to these children in their past? And what hope is there for their future?
What an emotional journey Rosie Lewis took me on here! Not only was she dealing with the emotional and sometimes violent outbursts of her two foster children, she had two children of her own and her adopted daughter Megan to think about too. Megan’s journey to adoption was related in Rosie’s last book Taken and it’s obvious that making her home with Rosie has been a huge success. But having another little girl of a similar age staying with her now wasn’t easy especially as Bobbi could me so unpredictable.
I loved the character of Danny here, with his laid-back mannerisms, as he worked with Rosie to find the right home environment for Archie and Bobbi. But I just got so angry at what had happened to these children before they came into Rosie’s care and wanted them to find the love and care that they (and ALL children!!) deserve. Rosie writes with intense detail whilst dealing with the issues raised in a factual manner, never overdramatising the narrative, so that when the truth finally falls into place it’s even more shocking than expected. I felt like I was reading her daily journals as she maintains her professionalism and composure throughout situations that would have had me wringing my hands with anxiety and distress!
I’m glad I’ve rediscovered Rosie Lewis and I can highly recommend her books if you enjoy this genre. Gritty and very sad at times but an ultimately uplifting tale that will make you want to hug your own children just that little bit tighter when you tuck them into bed at night.
Rosie Lewis has taken in a brother and sister after they are judged at risk from their mother and stepfather. They have no contact with their natural father although this is something their social worker Danny is trying to change. Archie, the eldest of the two children is a polite and thoughtful little boy but Bobbi the youngest at 5 is difficult to handle due to a possible ADHD diagnosis. She had just started school but neither child had been going regularly so it’s left to Rosie to deal with their educational needs. When after a few weeks Rosie is called into school, shockingly it isn’t to do with Bobbi. What has happened to these children in their past? And what hope is there for their future?
What an emotional journey Rosie Lewis took me on here! Not only was she dealing with the emotional and sometimes violent outbursts of her two foster children, she had two children of her own and her adopted daughter Megan to think about too. Megan’s journey to adoption was related in Rosie’s last book Taken and it’s obvious that making her home with Rosie has been a huge success. But having another little girl of a similar age staying with her now wasn’t easy especially as Bobbi could me so unpredictable.
I loved the character of Danny here, with his laid-back mannerisms, as he worked with Rosie to find the right home environment for Archie and Bobbi. But I just got so angry at what had happened to these children before they came into Rosie’s care and wanted them to find the love and care that they (and ALL children!!) deserve. Rosie writes with intense detail whilst dealing with the issues raised in a factual manner, never overdramatising the narrative, so that when the truth finally falls into place it’s even more shocking than expected. I felt like I was reading her daily journals as she maintains her professionalism and composure throughout situations that would have had me wringing my hands with anxiety and distress!
I’m glad I’ve rediscovered Rosie Lewis and I can highly recommend her books if you enjoy this genre. Gritty and very sad at times but an ultimately uplifting tale that will make you want to hug your own children just that little bit tighter when you tuck them into bed at night.
January 13, 2018
Powerful, but the ending was rushed.
April 14, 2018
brilliant book
June 6, 2018
I'm so glad I read this - I'm going through a situation with a child in my life right now, and this book gave really useful information, surprisingly enough!
January 26, 2018
Good and interesting read.
A while ago I won one of Rosie Lewis' books in a Goodreads Giveaway. The title of that one was 'Taken'. I'd never read any of her books before but it was an amazing book and I have since read two more of her fostering memoirs. Although these were also very good, I don't think they were quite as good as 'Taken'. This is the case with this one: It was a very good read, easy to get straight into-but I just felt that it rushed a bit at the end. There were also a couple of errors which I wasn't expecting from a HarperCollins publication.
A while ago I won one of Rosie Lewis' books in a Goodreads Giveaway. The title of that one was 'Taken'. I'd never read any of her books before but it was an amazing book and I have since read two more of her fostering memoirs. Although these were also very good, I don't think they were quite as good as 'Taken'. This is the case with this one: It was a very good read, easy to get straight into-but I just felt that it rushed a bit at the end. There were also a couple of errors which I wasn't expecting from a HarperCollins publication.
January 8, 2018
Very heartfelt story
I have read all of Rosie Lewis' books and they are all so interesting. I like the she writes and puts you in the moment. I was left a little confused though at the end of this one. Would have liked more details of what the kids experienced and what happened to the guilty parties.
I have read all of Rosie Lewis' books and they are all so interesting. I like the she writes and puts you in the moment. I was left a little confused though at the end of this one. Would have liked more details of what the kids experienced and what happened to the guilty parties.
February 27, 2018
I have read quite a few of these books over the years, I have to admit as much as I enjoy reading them, they can be heartbreaking. I kind of feel I shouldn't actually like them because of the subject matters, yet i'm drawn to them on regular occasions as I occasionally like to read something other than the crime thrillers I normally read.
In this outing the story of Nine-year-old Archie and his five-year-old sister, Bobbi, are taken into emergency police protective custody after an incident of domestic violence at their family home. They are then taken into the home of Rosie, a foster carer. Both children have their own issues, this story is told brilliantly its a riveting read, I found once I started it, I wanted and needed to carry on to see what sort, if any, changes are made to these two little ones.
Secrets are revealed and its found these two little ones certainly haven't had a great start to life.
If you enjoy reading these type of books then this one is a must. Rosie is certainly one of kind, and an amazing foster carer, any child placed into Rosie's custody will certainly get the best she can offer. Interesting, educating and heart-breaking.
In this outing the story of Nine-year-old Archie and his five-year-old sister, Bobbi, are taken into emergency police protective custody after an incident of domestic violence at their family home. They are then taken into the home of Rosie, a foster carer. Both children have their own issues, this story is told brilliantly its a riveting read, I found once I started it, I wanted and needed to carry on to see what sort, if any, changes are made to these two little ones.
Secrets are revealed and its found these two little ones certainly haven't had a great start to life.
If you enjoy reading these type of books then this one is a must. Rosie is certainly one of kind, and an amazing foster carer, any child placed into Rosie's custody will certainly get the best she can offer. Interesting, educating and heart-breaking.
May 6, 2019
Always a beautiful story! Have read many fosters parents books and first time reading one from this Author. And even this author did an awesome job is writing this story.
I felt like I was there particularly at the end of the book when they are leaving always brings me close to tears.
Only let down was I felt the ending was very very rushed! Like she had only a set amount of pages and cut off the ending.
I would have loved to have know I guess how Jimmy got the kids and the process towards that.
I would have like to have known what the happened to the mother and if she ever tried to see them?
I would have liked to have know how the chargers were dropped with Jimmy even though we know they were false.
I know those questions were kind of answered in a very vague way I just like to know the process not just to skip them and that’s it!
I love Archie and Bobbie and was so glad that they have done well for themselves truely inspiring
I felt like I was there particularly at the end of the book when they are leaving always brings me close to tears.
Only let down was I felt the ending was very very rushed! Like she had only a set amount of pages and cut off the ending.
I would have loved to have know I guess how Jimmy got the kids and the process towards that.
I would have like to have known what the happened to the mother and if she ever tried to see them?
I would have liked to have know how the chargers were dropped with Jimmy even though we know they were false.
I know those questions were kind of answered in a very vague way I just like to know the process not just to skip them and that’s it!
I love Archie and Bobbie and was so glad that they have done well for themselves truely inspiring
January 18, 2018
This is the first time I have read one of Rosie's books and I was not disappointed, this book had me hooked right from the beginning.
Rosie uses her wealth of knowledge and expertise as a Foster Carer to present the sad story of Archie and Bobbi, two children who had been entrusted into her care.
The children are quite a handful by anybody's standards but as the pieces of the story unfold it becomes apparent to Rosie that there are some dark secrets in the children's past.
The way that Rosie both copes with the children and draws in the reader to the situations throughout are admirable.
You feel for Rosie and the children throughout the story but they build a special bond and eventually a happier outcome is reached for the children against all of the odds.
Rosie uses her wealth of knowledge and expertise as a Foster Carer to present the sad story of Archie and Bobbi, two children who had been entrusted into her care.
The children are quite a handful by anybody's standards but as the pieces of the story unfold it becomes apparent to Rosie that there are some dark secrets in the children's past.
The way that Rosie both copes with the children and draws in the reader to the situations throughout are admirable.
You feel for Rosie and the children throughout the story but they build a special bond and eventually a happier outcome is reached for the children against all of the odds.
June 7, 2020
Foster carers are a special type of humans. I found this book heartbreaking and inspiring. This book paints the harsh reality for kids in care, there’s a reason they are removed but often the pain and trauma does much much deeper. I hope Archie and Bobbi have continued to heal from since this book ended.
I’ve learned so much about children behaviour and trauma from reading this book. She’s not perfect and doesn’t portray herself as anything but someone trying her best to be there for kids who need her, applying the theory she’s learned and trusting her gut. Thank goodness she does. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to learn about childhood trauma, fostering or the other side of life.
I’ve learned so much about children behaviour and trauma from reading this book. She’s not perfect and doesn’t portray herself as anything but someone trying her best to be there for kids who need her, applying the theory she’s learned and trusting her gut. Thank goodness she does. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to learn about childhood trauma, fostering or the other side of life.
January 9, 2018
Fostering at it's best
I have read a few of Rosie Lewis's books about her foster children and how she gives them care, attention and a feeling of security so that they can feel comfortable to reveal their sad upbringing and turmoils and therefore the help needed to help them move forward in their lives.
What an amazing woman Rosie is , thankfully because of wonderful people like her that foster, children are taken from harmful/ neglectful and nurtured into dealing with their past so they can cope with the rest of their lives #unsungheroes
I have read a few of Rosie Lewis's books about her foster children and how she gives them care, attention and a feeling of security so that they can feel comfortable to reveal their sad upbringing and turmoils and therefore the help needed to help them move forward in their lives.
What an amazing woman Rosie is , thankfully because of wonderful people like her that foster, children are taken from harmful/ neglectful and nurtured into dealing with their past so they can cope with the rest of their lives #unsungheroes
May 29, 2018
Such a traumatic tale of innocent children shockingly abused and exploited.
However, from this book you can take hope and gratitude that foster carers like Rosie are around to openly take them in to their own World even if initially they go kicking and screaming) and gently work to help emotionally heal them to a degree they can manage better and have a more positive future in life.
A very informative book I would recommend.
My thanks go to the author, publishers and Netgalley for the arc of this book in return for a honest review.
However, from this book you can take hope and gratitude that foster carers like Rosie are around to openly take them in to their own World even if initially they go kicking and screaming) and gently work to help emotionally heal them to a degree they can manage better and have a more positive future in life.
A very informative book I would recommend.
My thanks go to the author, publishers and Netgalley for the arc of this book in return for a honest review.
February 23, 2018
This book was good, but heartbreaking. How some people can treat their kids so terribly I will never understand. I loved that Rosie took the time to understand exactly how her foster kids were treated and how they reacted to it. The only thing I didn't like was that the ending felt way too rushed. If it had met the pace of the rest of the book, this would have been an almost perfect read.
August 9, 2018
Great Read
Well done Rosie, again lots of hard work and time plays such an important part in the lives of abused children. Archie and Bobbi, another 2 children abused and needing a loving understanding foster Carer to help them when help was so desperately needed. Jimmy, how amazing, so lovely when children are finally put first.
Well done Rosie, again lots of hard work and time plays such an important part in the lives of abused children. Archie and Bobbi, another 2 children abused and needing a loving understanding foster Carer to help them when help was so desperately needed. Jimmy, how amazing, so lovely when children are finally put first.
August 29, 2018
This was an absolutely breath-taking read. Rarely have I gained so much insight in an unfamiliar topic by reading a single book. I would advise anyone who's easily triggered by mentions of childhood trauma or abuse to not read this book, since this is a central topic. For people who'd like to learn about trauma and behavioural issues or the foster system in general, I highly recommend it.
December 15, 2019
I loved this book. It's the first book I have read by Rosie and I can't wait to read more. Her writing style is engaging and I love that not only did I read a book where I connected well with all the characters but I also gained so much knowledge about fostering and information on behavioural issues.
July 16, 2020
Another heartbreaking story with a beautiful ending
I just love reading Rosie Lewis’ stories. They are truly heartbreaking yet always handled in such a sensitive way. I grew to love these children and that’s all down to Rosie. She always tells her stories in the most positive way she possibly can. I am so glad it ended the way it did.
I just love reading Rosie Lewis’ stories. They are truly heartbreaking yet always handled in such a sensitive way. I grew to love these children and that’s all down to Rosie. She always tells her stories in the most positive way she possibly can. I am so glad it ended the way it did.
June 8, 2018
Powerful story
I chose this rating because of how well the story was written. How amazing Maggie was to those children. You see the kindred spirit in her. It's not easy being a foster parent and getting kids to trust you.
I chose this rating because of how well the story was written. How amazing Maggie was to those children. You see the kindred spirit in her. It's not easy being a foster parent and getting kids to trust you.
September 15, 2019
It's plot was so good I couldn't put it down.With the whole love she had for the them,I thought Rosie would end up adopting them,but even when it didn't happen,I was satisfied with the ending nevertheless,so it was an awesome memoir all in all.
October 8, 2019
Broken by Rosie Lewis
I loved the way Rosie made you feel everything she was going through with the children from the biting to the horror off what happened to these young children while bringing up her own children .I have great respect for her.
I loved the way Rosie made you feel everything she was going through with the children from the biting to the horror off what happened to these young children while bringing up her own children .I have great respect for her.
February 9, 2021
Wow!
This book was utterly put down able. It was so gripping and so emotive. Remains me a bit of Cathy glass with how it is written and layed out.
Really good true story. Utterly heart-breaking but moving when the older sibling finally managed to speak to the wonderful foster carer.
This book was utterly put down able. It was so gripping and so emotive. Remains me a bit of Cathy glass with how it is written and layed out.
Really good true story. Utterly heart-breaking but moving when the older sibling finally managed to speak to the wonderful foster carer.
June 29, 2022
Great
Another great book by Rosie Lewis and if yr into reading about foster carers & there stories of how they've helped the children they look after them give them a read
Absolutely amazing well done Rosie for all.yr hard work 10/10
Another great book by Rosie Lewis and if yr into reading about foster carers & there stories of how they've helped the children they look after them give them a read
Absolutely amazing well done Rosie for all.yr hard work 10/10
July 6, 2024
I truly enjoyed this book. Bobby was everything you would imagine a young child to be who had been through trauma. Her brother on the other hand was a complete surprise. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy hearing happy endings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2018
Well done... Loved the ending.
February 6, 2018
Review to follow soon.
February 7, 2018
I loved it and if you like other books about fostering then this is another one for you
If gave tips about having your own children as well
If gave tips about having your own children as well
February 17, 2019
Very good. An emotional story about adoption and the pain that comes with it.😢
March 1, 2019
Good read
I hadn't heard of this author but I enjoyed reading this book will definitely read more. I read it very quickly
I hadn't heard of this author but I enjoyed reading this book will definitely read more. I read it very quickly
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews