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This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B01N3528YM
“You need to come and get my daughter. She’s not safe anymore.”
For Sophie, life with her daughter has never been easy. Rosie’s extreme autism has made her unpredictable and often difficult. Like most mothers though, her first instinct has always been to protect her child and keep her close. However, when Rosie’s escalating violence culminates in a terrifying incident at home, Sophie is faced with a choice that no parent ever wants to make. A choice that will inevitably plunge her into a set of unimaginable new circumstances which will test her to the limit.
A true test of a mother’s love.
Could you send your child away?
“You need to come and get my daughter. She’s not safe anymore.”
For Sophie, life with her daughter has never been easy. Rosie’s extreme autism has made her unpredictable and often difficult. Like most mothers though, her first instinct has always been to protect her child and keep her close. However, when Rosie’s escalating violence culminates in a terrifying incident at home, Sophie is faced with a choice that no parent ever wants to make. A choice that will inevitably plunge her into a set of unimaginable new circumstances which will test her to the limit.
A true test of a mother’s love.
Could you send your child away?
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2017
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hughes
2 books6 followersKate Hughes is a teacher and writer. Although she has been scribbling away for years, it is only recently that she has had time to take it seriously.
'Mr Brown's Suitcase' was her debut novel.
She has just published her second novel 'Home'.
Kate lives in the UK with her husband, three children and a lively lilac tortoiseshell cat.
'Mr Brown's Suitcase' was her debut novel.
She has just published her second novel 'Home'.
Kate lives in the UK with her husband, three children and a lively lilac tortoiseshell cat.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 12, 2017
3.5 stars.
The book opens with an arresting first section imagined from the point of view of Rosie. From that point on, the story is told mainly from the point of view of Rosie’s mother, Sophie. The author creates a realistic picture of what it must be like living with and caring for a child with extreme autism. This is a form of autism very different from the common perception of autism gained from movies like Rain Man or books such as The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, manifesting itself in very challenging, sometimes violent, behaviour.
The constant strain of never knowing how her younger daughter will react, when the next ‘meltdown’ will occur and Sophie’s fears for the future is convincingly communicated:
“The worry of it all never left her. From the moment she woke, to the time she fell into a weary sleep, the uncertainties whirled around, burrowing deep into her brain.”
After a particularly disturbing incident, Sophie is forced to confront the heart-breaking possibility that Rosie’s condition is such that, for her own safety and for the safety of others, she can no longer be cared for at home. The emotional toll of Sophie’s decision is convincingly portrayed. Similar to the feelings encountered following bereavement, Sophie experiences guilt, regret and even anger born of frustration that Rosie’s condition can never be cured and that the pain Sophie feels cannot be understood by anyone else, even by the most well-meaning of her family and friends.
‘Nothing anyone said or did could take this huge ache away from her. It wasn’t just the sadness, it was this vast ball of anger that seemed to be knotted up inside her...She couldn’t help it, she felt angry with everyone. And tired of it all.’
There are some interesting sections of the book written from the perspective of family members showing their differing reactions to Rosie’s condition and Sophie’s decision – these all rang true. However, some other aspects seemed to be a little too easy: a sympathetic workplace, lack of financial concerns. Also, I found my interest in the story waned slightly as it moved its focus from Rosie to the possibility of Sophie finding a new relationship. Everything seemed just a little too perfect at the end; although I accept the author was trying to inject an uplifting note to the book’s conclusion.
The author provided me with a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
To read this and other book reviews, visit my blog: https://whatcathyreadnext.wordpress.com/
The book opens with an arresting first section imagined from the point of view of Rosie. From that point on, the story is told mainly from the point of view of Rosie’s mother, Sophie. The author creates a realistic picture of what it must be like living with and caring for a child with extreme autism. This is a form of autism very different from the common perception of autism gained from movies like Rain Man or books such as The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, manifesting itself in very challenging, sometimes violent, behaviour.
The constant strain of never knowing how her younger daughter will react, when the next ‘meltdown’ will occur and Sophie’s fears for the future is convincingly communicated:
“The worry of it all never left her. From the moment she woke, to the time she fell into a weary sleep, the uncertainties whirled around, burrowing deep into her brain.”
After a particularly disturbing incident, Sophie is forced to confront the heart-breaking possibility that Rosie’s condition is such that, for her own safety and for the safety of others, she can no longer be cared for at home. The emotional toll of Sophie’s decision is convincingly portrayed. Similar to the feelings encountered following bereavement, Sophie experiences guilt, regret and even anger born of frustration that Rosie’s condition can never be cured and that the pain Sophie feels cannot be understood by anyone else, even by the most well-meaning of her family and friends.
‘Nothing anyone said or did could take this huge ache away from her. It wasn’t just the sadness, it was this vast ball of anger that seemed to be knotted up inside her...She couldn’t help it, she felt angry with everyone. And tired of it all.’
There are some interesting sections of the book written from the perspective of family members showing their differing reactions to Rosie’s condition and Sophie’s decision – these all rang true. However, some other aspects seemed to be a little too easy: a sympathetic workplace, lack of financial concerns. Also, I found my interest in the story waned slightly as it moved its focus from Rosie to the possibility of Sophie finding a new relationship. Everything seemed just a little too perfect at the end; although I accept the author was trying to inject an uplifting note to the book’s conclusion.
The author provided me with a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
To read this and other book reviews, visit my blog: https://whatcathyreadnext.wordpress.com/
July 4, 2017
Oh my word, what an emotional rollercoaster of a read this is. Home is so full of emotion that I felt every bump in Sophie's road with her. She has such difficult choices to make and it is so interesting to see so many different sides of the story: that of the immediate family but also how it is perceived by others. Home is such a brave and eye-opening story that even the coldest heart won't fail to be moved by it.
Sophie is on her own with two beautiful daughters: 16 year old Chloe who is studying for her exams and 12 year old Rosie who has autism. Rosie's autism sometimes presents in an entirely loving manner but in other times it can result in violent outbursts that cause harm to others and Rosie herself. Sophie makes the heartbreaking decision to put Rosie into a residential home and it is clear that this decision was the hardest decision that Sophie has ever had to make - the despair was practically jumping off the page. We go on to see how Sophie's decision impacts on the whole family and every family member gets the chance to get their feelings across.
Home is a pure unadulterated love story. A mother's love can sometimes mean that the hardest decisions have to be made, a decision that may appear selfish to some but is actually so completely selfless. Kate Hughes has managed to effortlessly show all the sides to this story, whilst injecting humour along with the bundles of love. Talking of humour, I felt like I had to get my fly swatter out as Greg and Mark started buzzing around Sophie like annoying bluebottles on a sunny day!
Something so completely different and emotion-full, Home is a heart-breaking, yet heart-warming read and is 100% recommended. Read it and weep, I know I did.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Sophie is on her own with two beautiful daughters: 16 year old Chloe who is studying for her exams and 12 year old Rosie who has autism. Rosie's autism sometimes presents in an entirely loving manner but in other times it can result in violent outbursts that cause harm to others and Rosie herself. Sophie makes the heartbreaking decision to put Rosie into a residential home and it is clear that this decision was the hardest decision that Sophie has ever had to make - the despair was practically jumping off the page. We go on to see how Sophie's decision impacts on the whole family and every family member gets the chance to get their feelings across.
Home is a pure unadulterated love story. A mother's love can sometimes mean that the hardest decisions have to be made, a decision that may appear selfish to some but is actually so completely selfless. Kate Hughes has managed to effortlessly show all the sides to this story, whilst injecting humour along with the bundles of love. Talking of humour, I felt like I had to get my fly swatter out as Greg and Mark started buzzing around Sophie like annoying bluebottles on a sunny day!
Something so completely different and emotion-full, Home is a heart-breaking, yet heart-warming read and is 100% recommended. Read it and weep, I know I did.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
April 20, 2017
This book is not a comfortable read. You may think it is silly that a child is attacking her loved ones. Surely the adult could over power the child. The child can learn right from wrong. She's just not being patented properly. If that's what you think then may I suggest you read more about childhood autism. I have a violent child, I'm regularly scratched and attacked. I'm exhausted. It isn't just dealing with the attacks, it is being hyper vigilant at all times as to what might set off an outburst. Many carers suffer from compassion fatigue. It seems to me that the mum in this story does. But she seems unable to care for herself due to guilt, nor is she able to reach out and get respite. Although she doesn't feel it, she is lucky that the system is there for her, but that doesn't assuage her pain or guilt. There is a strong theme of guilt through the book. This story is raw and had my eyes welled up with tears on several occasions. If it doesn't do that to you, then look at those you love around you and thank your lucky stars.
A well written, easy to read, hard to forget book. Buy it, and hopefully feel differently next time you see an out of control child in a public place. Try to support a fellow human being rather than judging them without knowing all the facts.
A well written, easy to read, hard to forget book. Buy it, and hopefully feel differently next time you see an out of control child in a public place. Try to support a fellow human being rather than judging them without knowing all the facts.
May 2, 2017
Home by Kate Hughes.
Sophie lives with her two daughters Chloe and Rosie. Her mother helps when she can. But Rosie has autism. Her rages are getting worse each day. She scratches and claws and even bites. Her says about talking to their social worker about placing Rosie in a special home. But Sophie doesn’t want to send her away. Her baby. What will she do?
OMG absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. I felt so emotional. Had me in tears. Such a beautiful read. It was nice to hear how the different family members felt too. Sophie's mum and dad and Liam and Chloe. The ending was perfect. 5*. Tbc on fb.
Sophie lives with her two daughters Chloe and Rosie. Her mother helps when she can. But Rosie has autism. Her rages are getting worse each day. She scratches and claws and even bites. Her says about talking to their social worker about placing Rosie in a special home. But Sophie doesn’t want to send her away. Her baby. What will she do?
OMG absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. I felt so emotional. Had me in tears. Such a beautiful read. It was nice to hear how the different family members felt too. Sophie's mum and dad and Liam and Chloe. The ending was perfect. 5*. Tbc on fb.
April 26, 2017
Such a powerful insight of a child with extreme autistic behaviour, who finds it hard to communicate her needs.
A single mum, with a full time job faces many battles; mainly her conscious. Is she doing the right thing for both of her daughters?
Having to face the decision of whether to put her child into a special home brings a lot of internal conflict to the forefront. Avoidance, denial and frustration takes over the small family life.
This book captivated me from page one having witnessed children showing such extreme behaviour but some people may find some parts difficult to read.
A single mum, with a full time job faces many battles; mainly her conscious. Is she doing the right thing for both of her daughters?
Having to face the decision of whether to put her child into a special home brings a lot of internal conflict to the forefront. Avoidance, denial and frustration takes over the small family life.
This book captivated me from page one having witnessed children showing such extreme behaviour but some people may find some parts difficult to read.
February 6, 2017
Sophie lives with her two daughters, teenaged Chloe and her younger sister, Rosie. Rosie is twelve years old and autistic. She is strong and has begun to express her frustration by biting and scratching. Sophie puts up with it but when Rosie starts to attack her grandmother, Diane, and her sister, Chloe, Sophie knows the time has come to think about residential care. Her estranged husband now lives in Ireland and Sophie knows he doesn’t understand how hard it is to keep going.
The characters in this book are so human, you can totally believe in, and empathise with, them all. Sophie is left with grief and guilt as a result of sending her daughter to live away from home. We’re taken through her own feelings and thought processes. It’s very interesting to see her beginning to live her own life again, though she can’t shake the guilt that she shouldn’t be. It’s a lovely, sad, gripping but eventually life-affirming story. Highly recommended.
The characters in this book are so human, you can totally believe in, and empathise with, them all. Sophie is left with grief and guilt as a result of sending her daughter to live away from home. We’re taken through her own feelings and thought processes. It’s very interesting to see her beginning to live her own life again, though she can’t shake the guilt that she shouldn’t be. It’s a lovely, sad, gripping but eventually life-affirming story. Highly recommended.
April 23, 2017
All I can say is wow! I read this book in an afternoon - I just couldn't put it down. If I could have given it more stars I would have in a heartbeat. This isn't a murder mystery, or an adventure story, or even really a romance. This book reads more like a biography, and is a must read for anyone wanting to find out what life is really like in a family with an autistic child. The author introduces us to a one parent family, where the youngest child is autistic. The tale depicts what happens when a severely autistic child is no longer manageable at home, and has to be taken into care for the safety of both the child and other family members. It's hard enough managing a small child with a 'meltdown' but when they are the same size as you, and twice as determined and extremely frustrated, the result can be dangerous. An extremely well written book, and one which will remain with me for a very long time.
May 10, 2017
What an amazing book. Kate writes so movingly of life with an autistic child and the effect on the whole family. Some very difficult decisions had to be made, all of which impacted on others. Every emotion is covered in this book, guilt, hope, despair amongst them.
I'd totally recommend this book, just make sure you have tissues by you when reading it.
I'd totally recommend this book, just make sure you have tissues by you when reading it.
September 11, 2017
From reading the description, it’s instantly clear that Home is not going to be a light summer read, but although it deals with an impossible situation, in which no parent would wish to find themselves, it does so in a compassionate and in no way sensationalist way.
The depth of detail and compassion for the main characters makes sense when you read Kate’s afterword, as the heart of the story – a severely autistic child who is put into residential care for their own safety and wellbeing – has its roots in her own family.
Sophie, as a working single parent, trying to manage two daughters, one of whom is autistic, is entirely relatable – she’s doing her best and feeling like she’s failing, but hanging on to the bright moments in her life with her two daughters. In some ways, when she makes the decision to have Rosie taken into residential care, relating so much to Sophie makes it more agonising as you can’t help but wonder what you would do in the same situation. Thankfully it’s a decision that most of us will not have to make as, as Sophie falls apart after making it, I’m sure most people would too.
At one point, even though deep down she knows that Rosie’s care is the best for her, Sophie and her older daughter, Chloe, Sophie says that she feels like Rosie has died as she’s missing from the family home and they are all expected to move on with their lives without Rosie at the centre of them – this whole section is heartbreaking to read and imagine.
Though the whole book details with a sensitive and difficult subject, it is handled with care and no judgement – the only person judging is Sophie herself. It certainly brought me a new perspective on the care of autistic children. There is a great deal in the media about the rise in autism diagnoses but they seem to very much focus on children, forgetting that they do grow into adults with the same issues and challenges.
As I said, Home is not a comfortable read, but it is a compelling and compassionate one, and well worth your time.
The depth of detail and compassion for the main characters makes sense when you read Kate’s afterword, as the heart of the story – a severely autistic child who is put into residential care for their own safety and wellbeing – has its roots in her own family.
Sophie, as a working single parent, trying to manage two daughters, one of whom is autistic, is entirely relatable – she’s doing her best and feeling like she’s failing, but hanging on to the bright moments in her life with her two daughters. In some ways, when she makes the decision to have Rosie taken into residential care, relating so much to Sophie makes it more agonising as you can’t help but wonder what you would do in the same situation. Thankfully it’s a decision that most of us will not have to make as, as Sophie falls apart after making it, I’m sure most people would too.
At one point, even though deep down she knows that Rosie’s care is the best for her, Sophie and her older daughter, Chloe, Sophie says that she feels like Rosie has died as she’s missing from the family home and they are all expected to move on with their lives without Rosie at the centre of them – this whole section is heartbreaking to read and imagine.
Though the whole book details with a sensitive and difficult subject, it is handled with care and no judgement – the only person judging is Sophie herself. It certainly brought me a new perspective on the care of autistic children. There is a great deal in the media about the rise in autism diagnoses but they seem to very much focus on children, forgetting that they do grow into adults with the same issues and challenges.
As I said, Home is not a comfortable read, but it is a compelling and compassionate one, and well worth your time.
May 4, 2017
Sophie, a single mum, loves her two daughters. He world revolves around them, but her world is not the world of most single mums. Twelve year old Rosie is autistic. Sometimes she is a happy giggly, cuddly girl but when she doesn't get what she wants she has meltdowns she can't control. With her elder daughter, Chloe, they struggle on until a particularly violent meltdown when Sophie fears for the safety of both her daughters. She decides she has to do the unthinkable and send Rosie away.
My heart went out to Sophie, the guilt she suffered was agonising. Kate Hughes really captured the love and the heartbreak of this family. It is an amazing book and I cannot recommend it more highly. Thanks so much to THE Book Club & the author for giving me the chance to read and review it. This is the second book I have read and loved by Kate Hughes- I can't wait to read the next one.
My heart went out to Sophie, the guilt she suffered was agonising. Kate Hughes really captured the love and the heartbreak of this family. It is an amazing book and I cannot recommend it more highly. Thanks so much to THE Book Club & the author for giving me the chance to read and review it. This is the second book I have read and loved by Kate Hughes- I can't wait to read the next one.
May 10, 2017
I jumped at the chance to read this book having given Mr Brown's Suitcase 5 stars and loved it.
As an insight into living with a highly autistic child and the mounting problems faced when they reach an age where they can become a danger to themselves and others, the book works well. Clearly, this is a problem that parents of children with other disabilities have to face too and I have nothing but sympathy and admiration for what they must go through and cope with. It must be a terrible situation and one of the hardest decisions any parent has to take.
My problem was with Sophie, I just found her so hard to like. I realise I am in a minority here but she is so negative for most of the book and so self pitying that I found myself not really caring about the ending other than being glad that Rosie seems to be so happy in her new home. Sorry 😞
My thanks to TBConFB for this copy.
As an insight into living with a highly autistic child and the mounting problems faced when they reach an age where they can become a danger to themselves and others, the book works well. Clearly, this is a problem that parents of children with other disabilities have to face too and I have nothing but sympathy and admiration for what they must go through and cope with. It must be a terrible situation and one of the hardest decisions any parent has to take.
My problem was with Sophie, I just found her so hard to like. I realise I am in a minority here but she is so negative for most of the book and so self pitying that I found myself not really caring about the ending other than being glad that Rosie seems to be so happy in her new home. Sorry 😞
My thanks to TBConFB for this copy.
May 14, 2017
The book starts with an introduction to 12 year-old autistic Rosie told from her viewpoint, giving an insight into how she sees the world and struggles to communicate. The rest of the book is told through Sophie's eyes, mother of Rosie and her eldest daughter, Chloe. The struggles Sophie has are very real and when Rosie starts having violent outbursts, she makes the difficult decision to send her daughter away. This is a very emotional book and quite difficult to read given the subject matter, but overall a great book.
4 stars for this one and I look forward to reading more books from this author.
4 stars for this one and I look forward to reading more books from this author.
May 6, 2017
I loved this book. It was well written and a lot of thought had gone in to it. I choose not to rush this story because I wanted to absorb Sophie's life, and it worked-I really felt her predicaments, her suffering and pain. This beautiful story is about Sophie and her 2 daughters, Chloe and Rosie. Rosie has autism and is making the family life impossible. So Sophie fights with her own emotions and eventually does what's best for everyone and puts Rosie in a residential home. I won't ruin anymore of the story, but its simply lovely and I felt so strongly for what Sophie goes through.
May 8, 2017
This book presented me a view of a mother’s life unlike any I had considered before as she deals with constant challenges and difficult decisions. I feel much more informed and understanding now but there is no sense whatsoever of ‘preachiness’ in this moving novel. The characters are well-developed, individual and real. They each have a different relationship with the mother and the autistic child who is the, mostly oblivious, centre of the story. I intend to recommend this emotional story to all the readers I know.
February 11, 2017
Home by Kate Hughes
Full disclosure, Kate contacted me to ask whether I might like to read and review her new book. The premise intrigued me so I readily agreed.
Single mum Sophie , struggles with her decision to place her Autistic daughter into a residential school.
Rosie is a loving and happy Twelve Year old child. There is one minor problem, her Autism causes her to fixate on things and whilst the physicality that the expression of her frustrations when thwarted, was easy to manage when she was small , her size now makes it impossible to manage her rage and lashing out . It’s never malice, the destruction is not out of any intent, but due to an inability to adequately communicate she expresses her frustration physically.
I found this book a beautiful snapshot into the lives of thousands of families who are blessed with a special needs child.It showed with quite moving honesty, the trials and tribulations that families face. Siblings taking on carer responsibilities and perhaps sacrificing part of their childhood in the process. Grandparents who due to societal changes would perhaps have been totally oblivious to the idea of a Autism Spectrum who find understanding the condition difficult within the confines of their own experience.
Then of course you have the struggles of parents like Liam and Sophie, who in the process of dealing with such a heart wrenching decision find themselves on a journey to acceptance and healing after a bitter and painful break up, with the addition of two potential love interests for Sophie, two equally kind men whose empathy and gentleness are a balm for Sophie’s pain.
This is definitely a book I would recommend, it is at once an absorbing and interesting story in it’s own right, but also an honest account of the effect Autism can have on a whole family.
Full disclosure, Kate contacted me to ask whether I might like to read and review her new book. The premise intrigued me so I readily agreed.
Single mum Sophie , struggles with her decision to place her Autistic daughter into a residential school.
Rosie is a loving and happy Twelve Year old child. There is one minor problem, her Autism causes her to fixate on things and whilst the physicality that the expression of her frustrations when thwarted, was easy to manage when she was small , her size now makes it impossible to manage her rage and lashing out . It’s never malice, the destruction is not out of any intent, but due to an inability to adequately communicate she expresses her frustration physically.
I found this book a beautiful snapshot into the lives of thousands of families who are blessed with a special needs child.It showed with quite moving honesty, the trials and tribulations that families face. Siblings taking on carer responsibilities and perhaps sacrificing part of their childhood in the process. Grandparents who due to societal changes would perhaps have been totally oblivious to the idea of a Autism Spectrum who find understanding the condition difficult within the confines of their own experience.
Then of course you have the struggles of parents like Liam and Sophie, who in the process of dealing with such a heart wrenching decision find themselves on a journey to acceptance and healing after a bitter and painful break up, with the addition of two potential love interests for Sophie, two equally kind men whose empathy and gentleness are a balm for Sophie’s pain.
This is definitely a book I would recommend, it is at once an absorbing and interesting story in it’s own right, but also an honest account of the effect Autism can have on a whole family.
February 23, 2017
Brutally honest and takes you to the bare bones of what living with a child who has severe autism is really like, including some of the most difficult decisions which no parent should have to face. Kate's characters come alive throughout the story and are easy to relate to. Easy to read and follow but also draws on every emotion possible
February 7, 2017
Kate contacted me recently through my website to ask if I'd like to review Home. The storyline interested me so I agreed and I'm glad I did!
Home should be where you feel safe right? But not for Sophie. Sophie lives in fear in her own home, fear of and for her own child.
Rosie has severe autism, in what seemed like only days she changed from a loving, well developed toddler to the violent twelve year old she is now.
As things begin to get progressively worse, Sophie has to make one of the hardest decisions of her life, and it's not one that everyone agrees with. Sophie makes a call to social services and asks them to take her daughter away.
The characters in this book are really human and relatable. There's no pretence of perfection, Sophie is an honest, hard working mum who isn't afraid to admit that she can't cope.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has an autistic child, knows someone with an autistic child or just wants to learn more about autism.
This story is honest and doesn't hold back on the brutal truth. It makes you question what you would do in that position. Not whether Sophie's decisions are right but whether in her position you could make that decision yourself.
Home should be where you feel safe right? But not for Sophie. Sophie lives in fear in her own home, fear of and for her own child.
Rosie has severe autism, in what seemed like only days she changed from a loving, well developed toddler to the violent twelve year old she is now.
As things begin to get progressively worse, Sophie has to make one of the hardest decisions of her life, and it's not one that everyone agrees with. Sophie makes a call to social services and asks them to take her daughter away.
The characters in this book are really human and relatable. There's no pretence of perfection, Sophie is an honest, hard working mum who isn't afraid to admit that she can't cope.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has an autistic child, knows someone with an autistic child or just wants to learn more about autism.
This story is honest and doesn't hold back on the brutal truth. It makes you question what you would do in that position. Not whether Sophie's decisions are right but whether in her position you could make that decision yourself.
November 9, 2017
"Rosie's extreme autism has made her unpredictable and often difficult."
This book description instantly grabbed me.
I have, in part, walked a similar walk, where a parent is forced to make the hardest of decisions based on more than one person. In this story we have Sophie and her two girls, Chloe and Rosie. Sophie is plagued by indecision, regrets and guilt as she shoulders, alone, the day to day life with Rosie and Chloe. What unfolds is a story of strength, courage and, above all else, the love a mother has for her children, no matter what.
Written from the heart!
This book description instantly grabbed me.
I have, in part, walked a similar walk, where a parent is forced to make the hardest of decisions based on more than one person. In this story we have Sophie and her two girls, Chloe and Rosie. Sophie is plagued by indecision, regrets and guilt as she shoulders, alone, the day to day life with Rosie and Chloe. What unfolds is a story of strength, courage and, above all else, the love a mother has for her children, no matter what.
Written from the heart!
April 30, 2017
FANTASTIC....INSPIRATIONAL....NO SPOILERS....
Wow wow wow.......This book is " AMAZING" you wouldn't believe me how many times I cried but also making me smile too. It a true eye opener what a family go through with a child with autism.( my heart goes out to each and everyone of you) ... I would tell anyone to read this and then they get to understand a bit more about autism xxx What got me at the end is that this book was inspired by the authors sister and it gave me goosebumps....I won't forget this book that's for sure xx
Wow wow wow.......This book is " AMAZING" you wouldn't believe me how many times I cried but also making me smile too. It a true eye opener what a family go through with a child with autism.( my heart goes out to each and everyone of you) ... I would tell anyone to read this and then they get to understand a bit more about autism xxx What got me at the end is that this book was inspired by the authors sister and it gave me goosebumps....I won't forget this book that's for sure xx
April 8, 2017
This was such an insightful, poignant story about one family’s struggle coping with a severely autistic child. As a mother I can appreciate children and their different temperaments but I have to hold my hand up and admit I’ve never truly understood the many ‘faces’ of a child with autism. Even though this book is a work of fiction it was very eye opening with regards to autism and I feel it’s a book that everyone should read to try and go some way in understanding this very complex condition.
Single mum Sophie had been coping pretty well with her youngest daughter’s condition. However, as Rosie was now 12 she was no longer the little girl that Sophie could protect when she was having a bad day. Rosie was now quite a big girl and her ever increasing bad days were resulting in violent outbursts as Rosie struggled to contain her frustration with the world around her. Sadly, Rosie lashed out with the people around her which were her loved ones resulting in many painful physical and emotional scars. Life was getting tougher and tougher for Sophie when she knew her eldest daughter, her own mother and herself were at risk of injury around young Rosie. Sophie had to make one of the most difficult decisions of her life, to find a more suitable place for Rosie to live that was safe and more catered for her growing needs.
We follow Sophie’s journey of making the right choice for her daughter Rosie. The struggles with her own conscience and the emotional turmoil for the whole family. There was a point in the story that I felt myself breathe a sigh of relief as I myself felt like some clarity had been made for all members of the family. It was quite a humbling part in the storyline. At the end of the novel I felt like the author had done justice to the storyline; it was insightful, poignant, hopeful and quite heart warming. 5/5*
I’d like to thank the author for writing such an insightful story and opening my eyes to a subject I wasn’t fully understanding. Autism is a very complex condition that we need to be more aware of and Kate Hughes has given me a few steps in the right direction to help make me more comprehensive and accepting.
Single mum Sophie had been coping pretty well with her youngest daughter’s condition. However, as Rosie was now 12 she was no longer the little girl that Sophie could protect when she was having a bad day. Rosie was now quite a big girl and her ever increasing bad days were resulting in violent outbursts as Rosie struggled to contain her frustration with the world around her. Sadly, Rosie lashed out with the people around her which were her loved ones resulting in many painful physical and emotional scars. Life was getting tougher and tougher for Sophie when she knew her eldest daughter, her own mother and herself were at risk of injury around young Rosie. Sophie had to make one of the most difficult decisions of her life, to find a more suitable place for Rosie to live that was safe and more catered for her growing needs.
We follow Sophie’s journey of making the right choice for her daughter Rosie. The struggles with her own conscience and the emotional turmoil for the whole family. There was a point in the story that I felt myself breathe a sigh of relief as I myself felt like some clarity had been made for all members of the family. It was quite a humbling part in the storyline. At the end of the novel I felt like the author had done justice to the storyline; it was insightful, poignant, hopeful and quite heart warming. 5/5*
I’d like to thank the author for writing such an insightful story and opening my eyes to a subject I wasn’t fully understanding. Autism is a very complex condition that we need to be more aware of and Kate Hughes has given me a few steps in the right direction to help make me more comprehensive and accepting.
April 23, 2017
Sophie is a single mother of two daughters - Chloe and Rosie. Rosie is severely autistic and has meltdowns which are becoming increasingly impossible to deal with both in public and at home. Not a tiny child any longer, Rosie is becoming a danger to herself and others. Separated from her husband Liam and at her wits end, Sophie makes the agonizing decision that her daughter would be better cared for in a home and, difficult and impossible as life was before, after she makes this decision and searches for a residential home for Rosie, Sophie is wracked with guilt and falls apart.
That is basically the plot and is told to the reader well. All these events in Sophie's life are described from her perspective. It is her story.
I had empathy for Sophie to begin Sophie coping or not coping is described well. I just felt somehow the story lacked depth and could have been more deeply layered and faceted. I should have cared about Sophie''s situation more. I should have cared more that Rosie is placed in a home far away from those who love her. Other than that Rosie appears happy there, we don't know much about her day to day life or what the future holds for her As the story moves forward with two prospective suitors for Sophie, I found the story snagged and got stuck.
I think the reason for me that happened was because all the events are told to the reader and not shown and the story began to slow and become a little repetitive.
Rosie, the character the book is the focus of, is told to us and explained to us by her mother ... It is a story from Sophie's perspective. Other than in the promising opening to the book, we learn little more about Rosie or indeed her ex husband Liam or her potential love interests so they come across as a bit flat and one dimensional as characters.
Its a good story well told. But could be explored in more depth I felt.
That is basically the plot and is told to the reader well. All these events in Sophie's life are described from her perspective. It is her story.
I had empathy for Sophie to begin Sophie coping or not coping is described well. I just felt somehow the story lacked depth and could have been more deeply layered and faceted. I should have cared about Sophie''s situation more. I should have cared more that Rosie is placed in a home far away from those who love her. Other than that Rosie appears happy there, we don't know much about her day to day life or what the future holds for her As the story moves forward with two prospective suitors for Sophie, I found the story snagged and got stuck.
I think the reason for me that happened was because all the events are told to the reader and not shown and the story began to slow and become a little repetitive.
Rosie, the character the book is the focus of, is told to us and explained to us by her mother ... It is a story from Sophie's perspective. Other than in the promising opening to the book, we learn little more about Rosie or indeed her ex husband Liam or her potential love interests so they come across as a bit flat and one dimensional as characters.
Its a good story well told. But could be explored in more depth I felt.
April 25, 2017
Brilliant book, it is a story about a family, one of whom is autistic. Starting of from Rosie's point of view, she has autism, and then from her mum,Sophie's I found it compelling and very moving. The descriptions of the meltdowns are horrible heartrending it made me think that any family who are able to have any sort of life must be special.
May 3, 2017
I do feel bad only giving this book 3 stars as if you'd have asked me to review it up to half way then it would've been 5 stars all the way. I felt the story then began to repeat itself and yes I did have sympathy for what Sophie was experiencing but there was only so much of her negative thoughts I could take. The book had the opportunity to follow more into the other characters lives such as Chloe's feelings a bit more. Other stories I have read around the same subject have left me feeling uplifted but this failed to do so. It was disappointing as I really enjoyed Kate's first book immensely and read that in a day.
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