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The Girl Who Wanted to Belong
The Sunday Times bestseller about a young girl in need of some care and compassion.
Lucy is eight years old and ends up in foster care after being abandoned by her mum and kicked out by her new stepmother. Two aunties and then her elderly grandmother take her in but it seems nobody can cope with Lucy’s disruptive behaviour. Social Services hope a stay with experienced foster carer Angela will help Lucy settle down. She misses her dad and three siblings and is desperate for a fresh start back home, but will Lucy ever be able to live in harmony with her stepmother and her stepsister – a girl who was once her best friend at school?
The Girl Who Wanted to Belong is the fifth book from well-loved foster carer and Sunday Times bestselling author Angela Hart. A true story that shares the tale of one of the many children she has fostered over the years. Angela's stories show the difference that quiet care, a watchful eye and sympathetic ear can make to those children whose upbringing has been less fortunate than others.
Lucy is eight years old and ends up in foster care after being abandoned by her mum and kicked out by her new stepmother. Two aunties and then her elderly grandmother take her in but it seems nobody can cope with Lucy’s disruptive behaviour. Social Services hope a stay with experienced foster carer Angela will help Lucy settle down. She misses her dad and three siblings and is desperate for a fresh start back home, but will Lucy ever be able to live in harmony with her stepmother and her stepsister – a girl who was once her best friend at school?
The Girl Who Wanted to Belong is the fifth book from well-loved foster carer and Sunday Times bestselling author Angela Hart. A true story that shares the tale of one of the many children she has fostered over the years. Angela's stories show the difference that quiet care, a watchful eye and sympathetic ear can make to those children whose upbringing has been less fortunate than others.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2018
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271 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
July 14, 2018
I admire foster careers and the huge service they do to help a child in their difficult journey in life when things go wrong.
My aunt used to foster for many years so I’ve a little insight of the troubles, the difficulties and rewards. Although, not first hand.
This little girl through no fault of her own finds herself in the care of Social Services. Her Mother went off, her Stepmother isn’t nice to her and that gradually comes to light.
Her Grandmother tried her best to look after her but she’s old, regrettably she had to ask for Social Services help.
Lucy finds herself away from her father who she dotes on. I could feel the love from Lucy coming through the pages. And although In the book he’s discribed in a sort of kind way, I disliked him immensely.
Angela and her husband have been fostering for many years and have a vast amount of experience. It shines through enormously the way the are with Lucy, helping her, bit by bit adjusting her unhappy thoughts, comforting her.
Each time she spoke to her father my heart broke for her. Lucy hides things well and Angela could see the pain and anguish she was going through.
All she wanted was to belong, belong to her Dad.
I couldn’t help but compare this to Cathy Glass so is another foster carers books I read.
Get the tissues because this is well and truly a tearjerker.
I’m not telling you the ending.
I received my copy from the publisher and enjoyed my experience in meeting Angela, Johnathan her husband and Lucy.
August 22, 2018
When Lucy was eight she ended up in foster care after being abandoned by her mum and kicked out by her new stepmother. Social Services hope she will settle down with experienced foster carer, Angela. Lucy misses her dad and three siblings and she is desperate for a fresh start back home.
Lucy is a bit of a wild child. She's been abandoned by her mother, her stepmother wants nothing to do with her, and out of desperation, her grandmother phones social services. Lucy gets placed with foster carers Angela and Jonathan. Lucy is desperate to get to go back home and live with her family. She misses them terribly. But there is always some kind of excuse and stories from booth sides of why she can't go.
This is a very informative book on foster care. At times, it can be a very difficult and heartbreaking job, but it can also be very rewarding. I think it takes a special kind of person to be a foster carer. I could not do it, it would break my heart. You must become emotionally involved no matter how much you try not to. This is the true story of Lucy's time with her foster parents, her relationship with her stepmother. It's also a very emotional read. I longed for Lucy's dad to do the right thing. Did he? Does Lucy get back home where she belongs? You will have to get a copy of this superb but emotional read to find out. Have the tissues handy, you will need them.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Pan McMillan and the author Angela Hart for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lucy is a bit of a wild child. She's been abandoned by her mother, her stepmother wants nothing to do with her, and out of desperation, her grandmother phones social services. Lucy gets placed with foster carers Angela and Jonathan. Lucy is desperate to get to go back home and live with her family. She misses them terribly. But there is always some kind of excuse and stories from booth sides of why she can't go.
This is a very informative book on foster care. At times, it can be a very difficult and heartbreaking job, but it can also be very rewarding. I think it takes a special kind of person to be a foster carer. I could not do it, it would break my heart. You must become emotionally involved no matter how much you try not to. This is the true story of Lucy's time with her foster parents, her relationship with her stepmother. It's also a very emotional read. I longed for Lucy's dad to do the right thing. Did he? Does Lucy get back home where she belongs? You will have to get a copy of this superb but emotional read to find out. Have the tissues handy, you will need them.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Pan McMillan and the author Angela Hart for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2018
I don't usually read too many books that are emotional as I prefer to relax and not be upset by a story. That being said, lately I seem to have been reading more of these types of books with this just being one of them i've tried in past few months. What attracted me to this was the idea that it was going to be about giving a little girl redemption and letting her be a child. We all need to read stories like these from time to time to remind ourselves just how lucky we are!
Now we all know that foster carers are a special breed - caring for sometimes unruly and unloved children or those who have been abandoned by their biological parents cannot be an easy task. While those parents may be selfish and neglectful, foster carers happen to be the exact opposite - altruistic, selfless and beautiful people and this certainly comes across here.
This is a powerful true story that shows the redemptive power of love and care. Through no fault of her own Lucy has been dealt a bad hand and it takes a loving, sympathetic carer to turn her life around. I have no hesitation in recommending this book, it is a story I will remember for a long time to come. The world needs more uplifting books such as this, in my opinion.
Many thanks to Bluebird for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Now we all know that foster carers are a special breed - caring for sometimes unruly and unloved children or those who have been abandoned by their biological parents cannot be an easy task. While those parents may be selfish and neglectful, foster carers happen to be the exact opposite - altruistic, selfless and beautiful people and this certainly comes across here.
This is a powerful true story that shows the redemptive power of love and care. Through no fault of her own Lucy has been dealt a bad hand and it takes a loving, sympathetic carer to turn her life around. I have no hesitation in recommending this book, it is a story I will remember for a long time to come. The world needs more uplifting books such as this, in my opinion.
Many thanks to Bluebird for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
July 12, 2018
Omg! Omg! I couldn't breathe, my heart felt as if it would shatter under this pain. Pain not for me but for Lucy, an innocent child trying to come to terms with her family scenario...
A beautiful story of heartbreak and rejection. A story of patience and gentleness. A story of foster parents and their immense love and understanding for the children.
This is one book I couldn't put down, I was reading it till 2am. I had to cry the tears, I had to see my heart wrenching when the child is rejected again and again. I had to know the end.
The author Angela Hart has done a fabulous job in writing this true story of Lucy. A child in foster care because of her disruptive behavior and rejected by family and her aunts, who just wants to go back home and live with her family.
This book shows how Angela slowly draws Lucy out by the love in her heart. It is not easy being foster parents, but Angela and her husband Jonathan do it beautifully. I loved the flow of prose, the honesty of words and the pain which seeps through when Angela describes Lucy's life and how it was pulled apart by her stepmother and stepsister. (The father was pretty spineless in the entire book, though the author has been kind enough to call him a gentle soul, I wouldn't!!)
Lucy's love for her father is resalient and never-ending but sadly nobody but Angela could see what the child went through on every visit. Nobody but Angela could see that the child was acting out in pain. Nobody but Angela could see Lucy's hopes crashing again and again!!
Angela has also brought home a fact that - it just takes a small sliver of love from the parent for the child to blossom. Sadly enough none of the adults in Lucy's family could see that.
I was literally breaking into pieces reading this story, yet each piece of me just wanted to know one thing — What happens to Lucy? Does she make it? Does she go back to her family?
Read the book, peruse every line, feel every word. Life is enriched when this story touches the heart!!
A beautiful story of heartbreak and rejection. A story of patience and gentleness. A story of foster parents and their immense love and understanding for the children.
This is one book I couldn't put down, I was reading it till 2am. I had to cry the tears, I had to see my heart wrenching when the child is rejected again and again. I had to know the end.
The author Angela Hart has done a fabulous job in writing this true story of Lucy. A child in foster care because of her disruptive behavior and rejected by family and her aunts, who just wants to go back home and live with her family.
This book shows how Angela slowly draws Lucy out by the love in her heart. It is not easy being foster parents, but Angela and her husband Jonathan do it beautifully. I loved the flow of prose, the honesty of words and the pain which seeps through when Angela describes Lucy's life and how it was pulled apart by her stepmother and stepsister. (The father was pretty spineless in the entire book, though the author has been kind enough to call him a gentle soul, I wouldn't!!)
Lucy's love for her father is resalient and never-ending but sadly nobody but Angela could see what the child went through on every visit. Nobody but Angela could see that the child was acting out in pain. Nobody but Angela could see Lucy's hopes crashing again and again!!
Angela has also brought home a fact that - it just takes a small sliver of love from the parent for the child to blossom. Sadly enough none of the adults in Lucy's family could see that.
I was literally breaking into pieces reading this story, yet each piece of me just wanted to know one thing — What happens to Lucy? Does she make it? Does she go back to her family?
Read the book, peruse every line, feel every word. Life is enriched when this story touches the heart!!
July 16, 2018
You will definitely need a box of tissues when reading this heartbreaking book!! The fact that it’s a true story is unbelievable!!
Little lucy is eight and is taken into foster care when she is abandoned by her mum and her new stepmother, Although initially taken under her familys wings , they find her behaviour difficult, and her grandmother reluctantly has to contact social services for help.
Social services find her foster carers Angela and Jonathan who do all in their power to help Lucy. Their love and devotion shine through. The selfless love they show her is inspirational.
Lucy misses her dad terribly and her quest for his love and approval is heartbreaking.
This books explores the wonderful job foster carers do!! To love and look after a child with difficult behaviour is hard enough in itself but when the child isn’t your own takes a special kind of person .
My happy childhood was taken for granted and this story opened my eyes to the situations some children face. Working with children daily this book has also drew my attention to different family dynamics and the fact that those with difficult behaviour may be fighting their own battles away from school.
Thank you netgalley and the publishers for my chance to read this book.
Little lucy is eight and is taken into foster care when she is abandoned by her mum and her new stepmother, Although initially taken under her familys wings , they find her behaviour difficult, and her grandmother reluctantly has to contact social services for help.
Social services find her foster carers Angela and Jonathan who do all in their power to help Lucy. Their love and devotion shine through. The selfless love they show her is inspirational.
Lucy misses her dad terribly and her quest for his love and approval is heartbreaking.
This books explores the wonderful job foster carers do!! To love and look after a child with difficult behaviour is hard enough in itself but when the child isn’t your own takes a special kind of person .
My happy childhood was taken for granted and this story opened my eyes to the situations some children face. Working with children daily this book has also drew my attention to different family dynamics and the fact that those with difficult behaviour may be fighting their own battles away from school.
Thank you netgalley and the publishers for my chance to read this book.
July 13, 2018
I have not read anything from this author and so was very pleased to be offered an arc copy in return for my independent honest review. Straight away the easy writing style drew me into the story about Lucy who had been fostered by Angela and her husband. This is a very informative book about the important subject of fostering children and how difficult and complex the whole process can be.It is written in a fair and even handed way, the author being truthful about the highs and the lows of caring for Lucy and I admire the professionalism shown towards her parents when quite frankly they often didn't deserve it. Lucy's story makes for a very emotional read and as a parent myself I found it very sad how she was treated and regularly let down by her Father and step Mother. I admire people who can foster and show love to children experiencing difficult issues. Overall a well written account of what life is like in this profession. It keeps you engaged and wanting to know what happens to Lucy and if life does improve for her. A great emotional read which is both informative and heartwarming.
July 11, 2018
The girl who wanted to belong by Angela Hart.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. It was a very moving and emotional too. With characters like Angela Jonathan Lucy Maria Bella and Jess Lucy's dad but i couldnt stand her step mother Wendy. I thought she was very controlling. And how she kept letting Lucy Down. I loved the ending. Perfect. 5*. Would give more if I could.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. It was a very moving and emotional too. With characters like Angela Jonathan Lucy Maria Bella and Jess Lucy's dad but i couldnt stand her step mother Wendy. I thought she was very controlling. And how she kept letting Lucy Down. I loved the ending. Perfect. 5*. Would give more if I could.
September 9, 2018
Lucy is eight years old and ends up in foster care after being abandoned by her mum and kicked out by her new stepmother Wendy. Two aunties and then her elderly grandmother take her in but it seems nobody can cope with Lucy’s disruptive behaviour, but is she all of the things people say about her?
Social Services hope a stay with experienced foster carers Angela and Jonathan will help Lucy settle down. Throughout the book we constantly hear that Lucy just wants to be back with her Dad and family whom she misses terribly, but there is always a problem, an excuse and a whole concoction of he said she said tell tales from both sides. With Angela and Jonathan doing an incredible job of caring for Lucy, they only hope is for her to be returned home to her family, but will it ever happen?
I read this book in 1.5 days and was just cheering Lucy on from the sidelines. Feeling desperately sorry for her and wanting to just hug her, play with some Lego and show her some love. A beautiful account of a young girl who just wanted to belong somewhere, who was pushed around by her family... does it all work out for Lucy? Not a spoiler I’m going to give either way, but it is an incredible read that makes you really think!
Social Services hope a stay with experienced foster carers Angela and Jonathan will help Lucy settle down. Throughout the book we constantly hear that Lucy just wants to be back with her Dad and family whom she misses terribly, but there is always a problem, an excuse and a whole concoction of he said she said tell tales from both sides. With Angela and Jonathan doing an incredible job of caring for Lucy, they only hope is for her to be returned home to her family, but will it ever happen?
I read this book in 1.5 days and was just cheering Lucy on from the sidelines. Feeling desperately sorry for her and wanting to just hug her, play with some Lego and show her some love. A beautiful account of a young girl who just wanted to belong somewhere, who was pushed around by her family... does it all work out for Lucy? Not a spoiler I’m going to give either way, but it is an incredible read that makes you really think!
September 4, 2018
I am a huge fan of non-fiction books such as these- books by inspirational foster carers, who have hearts of gold. I have really enjoyed all the books by Angela Hart, Cathy Glass and Casey Watson to name but a few. As soon as I can get my hands on copies of their new books, I have to dive straight in. ‘The Girl Who Wanted To Belong’ is Angela’s new book and it is heart breaking but also inspirational. I absolutely loved reading it but more about that in a bit.
My heart really broke for Lucy. She is voluntarily placed into foster care after her biological mother abandons her, her step-mother Wendy boots her out of the family home and placements with her aunties and her grandmother have broken down. Lucy absolutely adores her father and I don’t doubt that he loves her but he is so far under Wendy’s thumb that he has almost disappeared. Lucy is one confused and at times unsettled little girl. The world is a confusing place for anybody let alone a little girl of 8 years old. The ways in which the step-mother treats and speaks to Lucy are appalling. Lucy is a naturally inquisitive little girls and she asks questions about literally anything and everything. Lucy is very good with design and putting things together. There was one character that I would have quite willingly slapped across the face with a wet fish and that is the headmaster of Lucy’s prospective new school, who brings up the problems he had with a previous child in Angela’s care during a meeting about Lucy. To me that was bang out of order. I was so rooting for things to turn out well for Lucy. She had so much potential and I just knew that Angela and her husband were the people to help her reach it.
Part of my reason for enjoying foster care memoirs is the fact that it reminds me of being back at work in Childrens Services. I wasn’t anything as high powered as say a social worker (I was a lowly admin bod) but I had friends who were social workers and relatives who worked in the social care field. When I used to work within Childrens Services, I regularly had to liaise with the fostering team and some of the children, who were placed with foster carers. Some of the details were truly heart breaking and some of the cases affected me far worse than others. I am not going to go into specifics because that would be breaking confidentiality. All I will say is that I take my hat off to those who train to be social workers as well as to foster carers. It takes a special kind of person to be able to cope with all the poop that is thrown their way. I know that I couldn’t do it. Ladies and gents I salute you.
I was hooked on this book from the moment I picked it up and began to read. I took to Lucy from the start and I knew there was more to her case and to her than met the eye. I became addicted to reading ‘The Girl Who Wanted To Belong’ and I just had to keep reading to find out what fate had in store for Lucy, Angela and Lucy’s family. To be perfectly honest, I wasn’t really that bothered about what happened to certain members of Lucy’s family because they angered me too much and I didn’t believe that they were acting in Lucy’s best interests. Reading this book certainly put me through the emotional wringer and then some. Whilst I was reading this book, I found myself wanting to cry, shout, scream, cheer and well you get the picture.
In short, I found reading this book really interesting and inspirational. It just goes to show what a child can achieve when they have somebody who believes in them. This book will certainly give the reader a sense of what happens within Childrens Services. I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I can’t wait to read what comes next from Angela Hart. The score on the Ginger Book Geek is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.
My heart really broke for Lucy. She is voluntarily placed into foster care after her biological mother abandons her, her step-mother Wendy boots her out of the family home and placements with her aunties and her grandmother have broken down. Lucy absolutely adores her father and I don’t doubt that he loves her but he is so far under Wendy’s thumb that he has almost disappeared. Lucy is one confused and at times unsettled little girl. The world is a confusing place for anybody let alone a little girl of 8 years old. The ways in which the step-mother treats and speaks to Lucy are appalling. Lucy is a naturally inquisitive little girls and she asks questions about literally anything and everything. Lucy is very good with design and putting things together. There was one character that I would have quite willingly slapped across the face with a wet fish and that is the headmaster of Lucy’s prospective new school, who brings up the problems he had with a previous child in Angela’s care during a meeting about Lucy. To me that was bang out of order. I was so rooting for things to turn out well for Lucy. She had so much potential and I just knew that Angela and her husband were the people to help her reach it.
Part of my reason for enjoying foster care memoirs is the fact that it reminds me of being back at work in Childrens Services. I wasn’t anything as high powered as say a social worker (I was a lowly admin bod) but I had friends who were social workers and relatives who worked in the social care field. When I used to work within Childrens Services, I regularly had to liaise with the fostering team and some of the children, who were placed with foster carers. Some of the details were truly heart breaking and some of the cases affected me far worse than others. I am not going to go into specifics because that would be breaking confidentiality. All I will say is that I take my hat off to those who train to be social workers as well as to foster carers. It takes a special kind of person to be able to cope with all the poop that is thrown their way. I know that I couldn’t do it. Ladies and gents I salute you.
I was hooked on this book from the moment I picked it up and began to read. I took to Lucy from the start and I knew there was more to her case and to her than met the eye. I became addicted to reading ‘The Girl Who Wanted To Belong’ and I just had to keep reading to find out what fate had in store for Lucy, Angela and Lucy’s family. To be perfectly honest, I wasn’t really that bothered about what happened to certain members of Lucy’s family because they angered me too much and I didn’t believe that they were acting in Lucy’s best interests. Reading this book certainly put me through the emotional wringer and then some. Whilst I was reading this book, I found myself wanting to cry, shout, scream, cheer and well you get the picture.
In short, I found reading this book really interesting and inspirational. It just goes to show what a child can achieve when they have somebody who believes in them. This book will certainly give the reader a sense of what happens within Childrens Services. I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I can’t wait to read what comes next from Angela Hart. The score on the Ginger Book Geek is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.
July 14, 2018
The Girl Who Wanted To Belong is about a little girl, just 8 years a old who is constantly being let down by her family, luckily for Angela Hart who fostered her was there for her and provided the love and care she desperately needed, I enjoyed every minute of this book and so happy there was a happy ending.
July 25, 2018
My heart was in pieces for little Lucy. All she wanted was a family to love her and to fit in. I just felt crushed with her as her hopes raised and then we’re crushed. I just wanted to reach out through the pages of this book and give her all the love she desperately needed. You will need your tissues for this one if you are anything like me and lots of them.
September 1, 2018
5 Stars.
I would like to thank The publisher and NetGalley for prviding me with a copy of this book.
"WOW" I am completely moved and emotional after reading this.
I dont normally go to read books like this because I prefer the fictional books. But I am glad that I got the chance to read this, it has completely opened my eyes to the fostering world and made me appreciate the job that foster carers do even more plus given me a clearer understanding.
Angela tells us about her time when she fostered Lucy and lets us see from her eyes what this little girl is like. We experience the diffculties that Lucy has but also the hope and heartache she has to see her Daddy again.
I can not express even how I am completely moved and emotional by reading this but it doesnt stop me from recommending this book.
Well Done Angela for giving people a clearer picture of what it is like for forster parents.
I would like to thank The publisher and NetGalley for prviding me with a copy of this book.
"WOW" I am completely moved and emotional after reading this.
I dont normally go to read books like this because I prefer the fictional books. But I am glad that I got the chance to read this, it has completely opened my eyes to the fostering world and made me appreciate the job that foster carers do even more plus given me a clearer understanding.
Angela tells us about her time when she fostered Lucy and lets us see from her eyes what this little girl is like. We experience the diffculties that Lucy has but also the hope and heartache she has to see her Daddy again.
I can not express even how I am completely moved and emotional by reading this but it doesnt stop me from recommending this book.
Well Done Angela for giving people a clearer picture of what it is like for forster parents.
August 29, 2018
Angela Hart tells this true story in such a gentle way that it captivated me right from the first page. I loved her conversational style and felt like I was having a coffee and a catch up with her each time I picked up the book. Although Lucy’s story was sad it wasn’t a depressing read in any way, rather it made me feel so frustrated for her in the way she was treated by her family. Fortunately Lucy had Angela and her husband fighting for her. They didn’t have an easy time with Lucy because she could be very disruptive, but they knew how to help her and gave her a loving home to stay in.
Angela and her husband Jonathan sound like a very patient and a very caring couple, the perfect people to be foster carers. I would be too impatient and angry to have to deal with all the bureaucracy they met with whilst fostering Lucy.
This book confirmed to me what special people foster carers are, and that they definitely deserve all the support they can get.
I’m so glad I read this book and I will definitely be reading Angela’s other books.
Thanks to Pan Macmillan Bluebird and NetGalley for my digital copy.
Angela and her husband Jonathan sound like a very patient and a very caring couple, the perfect people to be foster carers. I would be too impatient and angry to have to deal with all the bureaucracy they met with whilst fostering Lucy.
This book confirmed to me what special people foster carers are, and that they definitely deserve all the support they can get.
I’m so glad I read this book and I will definitely be reading Angela’s other books.
Thanks to Pan Macmillan Bluebird and NetGalley for my digital copy.
July 12, 2018
The Girl Who Wanted To Belong by Angela Hart is a true story of Lucy, a foster girl searching for the love of her family and seeking to find her place. It will break your heart.
Eight year olds should not have to fight for love. The reader sees the conflict between Lucy's father and his partner. He seems to be caught between a rock and a hard place. Every time the reader gets their hope up, it seems another brick is cemented in the wall. We 'feel' for Lucy.
The story is also about the foster parents, Angela and Jonathan who are seen to have infinite love, patience, respect and boundaries. Giving a healthy home for Lucy to be loved and nurtured. They diplomatically fight her corner.
My heart was in pieces for Lucy. I wanted her to be loved and wanted. I hated seeing hopes rise, only to be dashed. I understood her frustrations and patterns of behaviour.
This is a powerful memoir of a beautiful little girl who will just take up residence in your heart. I wanted to love Lucy every step of the way. Her desire to be loved and to please was heart wrenching.
You will need to read this with tissues.
I received this book for free from Net Galley. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Eight year olds should not have to fight for love. The reader sees the conflict between Lucy's father and his partner. He seems to be caught between a rock and a hard place. Every time the reader gets their hope up, it seems another brick is cemented in the wall. We 'feel' for Lucy.
The story is also about the foster parents, Angela and Jonathan who are seen to have infinite love, patience, respect and boundaries. Giving a healthy home for Lucy to be loved and nurtured. They diplomatically fight her corner.
My heart was in pieces for Lucy. I wanted her to be loved and wanted. I hated seeing hopes rise, only to be dashed. I understood her frustrations and patterns of behaviour.
This is a powerful memoir of a beautiful little girl who will just take up residence in your heart. I wanted to love Lucy every step of the way. Her desire to be loved and to please was heart wrenching.
You will need to read this with tissues.
I received this book for free from Net Galley. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
January 24, 2019
Bluebird Press invited me to read The Girl Who Wanted to Belong way back in July, and although it's not the kind of book that I would normally pick up I thought I'd push myself out of my comfort zone and give it a go. Unfortunately, I was right and it really wasn't the book for me.
I admire the work that Angela and Jonathan do as foster carers, but the way that Lucy's story is told is counter-intuitive. Focusing on the first year that she spent in foster care causes the book to move very slowly and to be highly repetitive, particularly when Lucy's parents continually skip meetings and cancel visits with little to no warning or reason.
Meanwhile, the epilogue crams the rest of Lucy's life with Angela and Jonathan into just a few pages, but I found this section far more interesting. I would have found this story far more engaging if the pacing had been better - instead I abandoned it regularly throughout the course of the past six months, which I hardly ever do.
A huge thanks to Bluebird Press for thinking of me and allowing me to read this title for review, I'm just sorry that it wasn't more to my taste.
I admire the work that Angela and Jonathan do as foster carers, but the way that Lucy's story is told is counter-intuitive. Focusing on the first year that she spent in foster care causes the book to move very slowly and to be highly repetitive, particularly when Lucy's parents continually skip meetings and cancel visits with little to no warning or reason.
Meanwhile, the epilogue crams the rest of Lucy's life with Angela and Jonathan into just a few pages, but I found this section far more interesting. I would have found this story far more engaging if the pacing had been better - instead I abandoned it regularly throughout the course of the past six months, which I hardly ever do.
A huge thanks to Bluebird Press for thinking of me and allowing me to read this title for review, I'm just sorry that it wasn't more to my taste.
July 14, 2018
The Girl Who Wanted To Belong is about a little girl, just 8 years a old who is constantly being let down by her family, luckily for Angela Hart who fostered her was there for her and provided the love and care she desperately needed, I enjoyed every minute of this book and so happy there was a happy ending.
August 24, 2018
My new favourite author in this genre.
Angela and hubby Jonathan are in their 40s-they had looked on fostering as a short-term thing until they had their own family. They never had children of their own due to fertility problems and at the time of this case in the book, had been fostering for over a decade. They have a flower shop as well as fostering, a family business which Angela's mum used to run.
Just a few pages in and I was thinking; lovely, just like Cathy Glass books, I really liked it already.
This was a quick, easy, warm read. If you like books by Cathy Glass, Maggie Hartley, Casey Watson etc, you'll certainly like this.
A very, very good book- but absolutely no good for your housework! None done this weekend while all I did was read this book until I'd finished it!
Another thing I like about her book is that she doesn't come across as 'know it all'. At no time did I feel that she thinks she's the best foster carer/ mother there ever was. She comes across as really nice and doesn't talk down to you through the book or profess to always know the answers. Each child is different, many different circumstances and she shows, despite all their fostering experience, they still need to try different ways, tread carefully, and wonder how it will turn out
I must admit I've never read a book in three parts such as this before. I requested it on Netgalley but, while waiting for approval, found Part 1 free on amazon-and it's not just a 2 chapter sample-it actually has a substantial 9 chapters. Parts 2 and 3 are currently only 98p each. So I couldn't wait, bought it, and just got cracking anyway. Even though it's not released until 23rd Aug, Parts 1 and 2 were already available and Part 3 was on pre-order. I got the full book for less than £2 getting the serialised version-as opposed to £4.74 for the complete kindle edition. Whichever way you do it, it's a wonderful read. So many ups and downs, twists and turns-you just don't know what's going to happen next. The three parts are divided perfectly. Whoever chose where to split the the parts has done such a great job- two very 'cliffhangery' bits, some very tense times; emotional moments too.
This really was an excellent book, I just couldn't stop reading it. This is the first one I've read by Angela Hart and I will certainly be reading more of her books. My new favourite author in this genre.
Angela and hubby Jonathan are in their 40s-they had looked on fostering as a short-term thing until they had their own family. They never had children of their own due to fertility problems and at the time of this case in the book, had been fostering for over a decade. They have a flower shop as well as fostering, a family business which Angela's mum used to run.
Just a few pages in and I was thinking; lovely, just like Cathy Glass books, I really liked it already.
This was a quick, easy, warm read. If you like books by Cathy Glass, Maggie Hartley, Casey Watson etc, you'll certainly like this.
A very, very good book- but absolutely no good for your housework! None done this weekend while all I did was read this book until I'd finished it!
Another thing I like about her book is that she doesn't come across as 'know it all'. At no time did I feel that she thinks she's the best foster carer/ mother there ever was. She comes across as really nice and doesn't talk down to you through the book or profess to always know the answers. Each child is different, many different circumstances and she shows, despite all their fostering experience, they still need to try different ways, tread carefully, and wonder how it will turn out
I must admit I've never read a book in three parts such as this before. I requested it on Netgalley but, while waiting for approval, found Part 1 free on amazon-and it's not just a 2 chapter sample-it actually has a substantial 9 chapters. Parts 2 and 3 are currently only 98p each. So I couldn't wait, bought it, and just got cracking anyway. Even though it's not released until 23rd Aug, Parts 1 and 2 were already available and Part 3 was on pre-order. I got the full book for less than £2 getting the serialised version-as opposed to £4.74 for the complete kindle edition. Whichever way you do it, it's a wonderful read. So many ups and downs, twists and turns-you just don't know what's going to happen next. The three parts are divided perfectly. Whoever chose where to split the the parts has done such a great job- two very 'cliffhangery' bits, some very tense times; emotional moments too.
This really was an excellent book, I just couldn't stop reading it. This is the first one I've read by Angela Hart and I will certainly be reading more of her books. My new favourite author in this genre.
August 23, 2018
This is a well-documented account of how experienced foster parents, Angela and Jonathan take Lucy ostensibly temporarily into their home. There is so much warmth, compassion, selflessness and understanding in Angela's approach to fostering Lucy with commendable support from Jonathan. Angela knows from experience that eight-year-old Lucy comes with a history which is sketchily drawn up and there is the possibility of emotional baggage. Often records are inaccurate or written by a jaundiced ex-carer or family member. Lucy is a delightful child but she can be manipulative, and she's distinctly plausible. She idolises her father, Dean and desperately wants to have quality time at home with her daddy and her siblings. Sadly, Dean has brought a controlling, battleaxe female into the family called Wendy. There's a brick wall between Wendy and Lucy which ends in her removal from the family. Dean is disinclined to stand up against Wendy and does not engage in fighting from Lucy's corner. It's hard to believe he would sacrifice Lucy for this indomitable woman. This is the heartbreaking part. Angela is asked to support Lucy towards re-integration back into the family. Can she manage this challenge or are other forces working against her? Her problems start with trying to get Lucy into a local school. She needs special educational needs provision (SEN), but Angela is headed off time and time again by schools that are reluctant to admit a child who requires SEN support. There isn't the funding or the willingness. Angela exposes a huge hole of reluctance in the SEN funding in schools. They desperately need better funding in schools and specially qualified staff who know how to meet the needs of children like Lucy and many others. I liked how Angela carefully chose her moment and chose her battles when forced to discuss sensitive matters with Lucy. The book gives an excellent portrait of fostering. Every mother knows that children can be a challenge but foster parents have to deal with social workers, birth parents, contact, meetings and problems with schools and endless training sessions. They have to be patient with agencies who would prefer to fob them off. The unfairness of Lucy's situation makes my blood boil. How will Angela and Jonathan cope with all these complications? Thank you to NetGalley and Bluebird publishers for such an eye-opening read.
June 30, 2020
It's hard to conceive that some children who have a seemingly complete family unit end up in foster care. But this is what happens to Lucy. Her father and three siblings were abandoned by her mother when she was four. One stepmother didn't work out, the next one is your quintessential wicked stepmother. Lucy is hard work, it's true: over-exuberant, temperamental…a bit of a wild child. But an absent mother and then two unpleasant stepmothers certainly don't help. After being dumped on two aunties, then a grandmother, none of whom can cope with her, foster carers Angela and Jonathan take her in.
This is Angela's true story…a foster carer for many years…of Lucy. An eye-opening account of the life of a foster carer, how they cope (are they saints?) with children of wide-ranging distress and trauma, red tape, the constraints they face, and in Lucy's case, unpleasant people.
There wasn't anything wrong with Lucy that a stable, loving, understanding family unit couldn't have put right. But enter Wendy, stepmum number two and with her, the inevitability of Lucy's behavioural deterioration and fallout of rejection. Wendy is a piece of work, an evil piece of work. As for Dean, Lucy's dad, I have nothing but contempt for him. He's a limp rag who dances to Wendy's tune. Instead of putting his immediate family first, he let Wendy and her sultry daughter rule the roost. The names have obviously been changed, but if either of them read this book, they will know who they are, and I hope they hang their heads in shame. The poignancy and heartbreak are Lucy's eternal and profound love for her daddy and steadfast conviction that her foster care is minimally temporary.
I don't often read non-fiction books, but Hart has a very engaging style to relate her foster-caring experiences: it's like reading a (very compelling) novel. It's tragic to remember it's all true.
We do get to learn where and how Lucy ends up. It's a bumpy road, for sure…I won't spoil it, but let's just say, Angela did good!
I now know just a teensy bit more about foster caring than I did before. One thing is certain, some foster carers are amazing: their patience, tolerance and unconditional love for their wards is truly awesome.
This is Angela's true story…a foster carer for many years…of Lucy. An eye-opening account of the life of a foster carer, how they cope (are they saints?) with children of wide-ranging distress and trauma, red tape, the constraints they face, and in Lucy's case, unpleasant people.
There wasn't anything wrong with Lucy that a stable, loving, understanding family unit couldn't have put right. But enter Wendy, stepmum number two and with her, the inevitability of Lucy's behavioural deterioration and fallout of rejection. Wendy is a piece of work, an evil piece of work. As for Dean, Lucy's dad, I have nothing but contempt for him. He's a limp rag who dances to Wendy's tune. Instead of putting his immediate family first, he let Wendy and her sultry daughter rule the roost. The names have obviously been changed, but if either of them read this book, they will know who they are, and I hope they hang their heads in shame. The poignancy and heartbreak are Lucy's eternal and profound love for her daddy and steadfast conviction that her foster care is minimally temporary.
I don't often read non-fiction books, but Hart has a very engaging style to relate her foster-caring experiences: it's like reading a (very compelling) novel. It's tragic to remember it's all true.
We do get to learn where and how Lucy ends up. It's a bumpy road, for sure…I won't spoil it, but let's just say, Angela did good!
I now know just a teensy bit more about foster caring than I did before. One thing is certain, some foster carers are amazing: their patience, tolerance and unconditional love for their wards is truly awesome.
August 9, 2018
This is a true story that just breaks your heart. Lucy is just eight years old when she is torn away from her family to live with foster parents, supposedly for just a short time. Her mother left when she was just four years old, and she adores her father, but his new fiancé really doesn't like her attachment to him, she is jealous. You must decide yourself whether she is the epitome of the wicked stepmother. Poor Lucy is pushed from pillar to post, first she stays at the homes of a couple of aunts, but they reject her because they cannot manage her. This poor little girl is hurting, badly, she doesn't understand why she cannot be with her daddy. Then she is packed off to her grandmother, but she has just had a big operation and cannot manage the lively girl. Finally Lucy ends up with foster parents, who do their very best for her, providing the stability she needs. The interaction with her real family is pretty awful, even though Lucy tries really hard to be good, and be accepted so that she can return home. When she gets rebuffed and rejected she takes it out on everyone.
Everyone should read this book to learn about the work undertaken by Social Services, and foster parents, it opens your eyes to how hard it can be. I knew of a similar story when I was a young girl, and watching the seriously ill little boy who was pining for his mother, expecting the next person to come into the ward would be her, (it never was, even though she had promised!), just broke my heart, and I have never forgotten it. Lucy is one of the lucky ones in that she still has her her grandmother, and her foster parents, but the separation from her father and brothers and sister most certainly had a deep affect on the rest of her life.
A truly riveting story.
Everyone should read this book to learn about the work undertaken by Social Services, and foster parents, it opens your eyes to how hard it can be. I knew of a similar story when I was a young girl, and watching the seriously ill little boy who was pining for his mother, expecting the next person to come into the ward would be her, (it never was, even though she had promised!), just broke my heart, and I have never forgotten it. Lucy is one of the lucky ones in that she still has her her grandmother, and her foster parents, but the separation from her father and brothers and sister most certainly had a deep affect on the rest of her life.
A truly riveting story.
August 24, 2018
What a heart-wrenching story this is. I never cease to be amazed by the depths people can go to be selfish and unkind.
Angela and Jonathan have been foster carers for about 10 years. They obviously love what they do and when not minding their florist business, are both involved in the foster carer's role.
8 Year old Lucy is their latest addition to the household. They already have an older girl, Maria, who is settled into their lives and they have high hopes for Lucy.
Her father, twin brothers and younger sister all live in the family home along with Wendy (Dad's girlfriend) and her own daughter Gemma. The girls are the same age and until recently were best friends.
The information that social services gave Angela and Jonathan was that the family unit could not cope with her behavior. She had lived with two aunts and then her grandmother. Unfortunately, it was the grandmother who had to get social authorities involved. She is too old to cope.
Such a dysfunctional set up would throw most people but Lucy's story is heartbreaking. To be removed from your family and home has devastating effects. Her controlling surrogate mother rules the roost and her Dad#'s lack of backbone doesn't help. This book highlights the wonderful people that really care, the system that does it's best and the misguided belief that families would sort themselves out.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
Angela and Jonathan have been foster carers for about 10 years. They obviously love what they do and when not minding their florist business, are both involved in the foster carer's role.
8 Year old Lucy is their latest addition to the household. They already have an older girl, Maria, who is settled into their lives and they have high hopes for Lucy.
Her father, twin brothers and younger sister all live in the family home along with Wendy (Dad's girlfriend) and her own daughter Gemma. The girls are the same age and until recently were best friends.
The information that social services gave Angela and Jonathan was that the family unit could not cope with her behavior. She had lived with two aunts and then her grandmother. Unfortunately, it was the grandmother who had to get social authorities involved. She is too old to cope.
Such a dysfunctional set up would throw most people but Lucy's story is heartbreaking. To be removed from your family and home has devastating effects. Her controlling surrogate mother rules the roost and her Dad#'s lack of backbone doesn't help. This book highlights the wonderful people that really care, the system that does it's best and the misguided belief that families would sort themselves out.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
August 22, 2018
This is a beautifully written true story of 8yr old Lucy who was put into foster care. Her stepmother, aunties and grandmother said they couldn't cope with her behaviour as she was disruptive. Angela and Jonathan are experienced foster carers who Social Services called upon to take her in. Showing her love and respect, along with boundaries Angela and Jonathan set about trying to reunite her with her family.
It's a sorry fact that many children are taken in to care when parents find they can't cope for one reason or another., but you have to give credit to the foster carers who bend over backwards to care for them.
My heart went out to Lucy who didn't always manage to be good but did try her best for the most part. At times I felt the father was weak and wished he would grow a backbone but oh Lucy did love her daddy so much. One person I didn't take to at all was Wendy, her stepmother. The way she spoke to Lucy at times was enough to make her play up. She seemed very controlling. Would there ever be enough harmony between them for Lucy to go back home? This is one story you really need to read to find out just what happens. I have no hesitation in recommending this book and it gets five stars from me. This is my honest and unbiased review.
My grateful thanks to Bluebird publishers for my copy via NetGalley
October 15, 2023
This is the story of Lucy, who is put into the care of Angela and Johnathon who are foster carers.
It's only meant to be for a couple of months as Lucy's family want to have her back but at the age of eight they feel as if they cannot look after her with all her problems, Lucy has been past from pillar to post both Aunties couldn't handle her and her gran felt too old to look after Lucy properly.
So Lucy is taken to Angela and Johnathon's which is in a different county to be cared for. This is a very sad story as Lucy obviously idolises her father and desperately wants to live with him and her other brother and sisters.
But Lucy doesn't like her soon to be stepmother and the feeling is mutual, I do wish there was more information given at the end of the story, such as all the little stories were they true or was Lucy making them up?? Was there a previous step mother and was Lucy miss treated, I felt as if I had more questions than answer by the end of the story and felt as if it really wasn't a complete story.
It's only meant to be for a couple of months as Lucy's family want to have her back but at the age of eight they feel as if they cannot look after her with all her problems, Lucy has been past from pillar to post both Aunties couldn't handle her and her gran felt too old to look after Lucy properly.
So Lucy is taken to Angela and Johnathon's which is in a different county to be cared for. This is a very sad story as Lucy obviously idolises her father and desperately wants to live with him and her other brother and sisters.
But Lucy doesn't like her soon to be stepmother and the feeling is mutual, I do wish there was more information given at the end of the story, such as all the little stories were they true or was Lucy making them up?? Was there a previous step mother and was Lucy miss treated, I felt as if I had more questions than answer by the end of the story and felt as if it really wasn't a complete story.
August 1, 2018
Thanks to Bluebird Publishers for inviting me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Girl Who Wanted To Belong is about Lucy. Angela and her husband Jonathan are fostering Lucy. Lucy has been put in to foster care after her dad, Dean, gets a new girlfriend, Wendy, and her and her daughter, Gemma, move in with Lucy and her 3 other siblings. Lucy and Wendy really don't get on and so Lucy is temporarily put into care. This book is about Lucy's journey and trying to get herself back into her family home.
This was my first try at an Angela Hart book and after having loved all of Cathy Glass's books I jumped at the opportunity to read this book. I really enjoyed it and I'm glad there's a reasonably happy ending. Maybe because I started with Cathy Glass first I like her writing better than Angela's. I'm not saying Angela's writing style is bad but maybe I've just become too accustomed with Glass's style. Saying this, I would still read more of Hart's books.
The Girl Who Wanted To Belong is about Lucy. Angela and her husband Jonathan are fostering Lucy. Lucy has been put in to foster care after her dad, Dean, gets a new girlfriend, Wendy, and her and her daughter, Gemma, move in with Lucy and her 3 other siblings. Lucy and Wendy really don't get on and so Lucy is temporarily put into care. This book is about Lucy's journey and trying to get herself back into her family home.
This was my first try at an Angela Hart book and after having loved all of Cathy Glass's books I jumped at the opportunity to read this book. I really enjoyed it and I'm glad there's a reasonably happy ending. Maybe because I started with Cathy Glass first I like her writing better than Angela's. I'm not saying Angela's writing style is bad but maybe I've just become too accustomed with Glass's style. Saying this, I would still read more of Hart's books.
August 24, 2018
The true story of a little girl and her battle to get home again. Told by the foster mother who looked after her and gave her a lot of what she needed.
I didn't expect to read this so quickly but once I started I just had to keep reading. I needed to know what would happen to Lucy and if she would go home or not. It's heart wrenching for much of the story but there are some really warming, sweet moments. At times I wanted to cry with all she went through. The story is well written and very honest. Angela is always fair and reasonable in her telling of the story. The ending was good too and I'm so glad there was a resolution to the story.
I admire Angela so much for all she did and how calm she kept. I love how honest she has been in the story and how fair she was to Lucy's parents. A touching story and amazing read.
I didn't expect to read this so quickly but once I started I just had to keep reading. I needed to know what would happen to Lucy and if she would go home or not. It's heart wrenching for much of the story but there are some really warming, sweet moments. At times I wanted to cry with all she went through. The story is well written and very honest. Angela is always fair and reasonable in her telling of the story. The ending was good too and I'm so glad there was a resolution to the story.
I admire Angela so much for all she did and how calm she kept. I love how honest she has been in the story and how fair she was to Lucy's parents. A touching story and amazing read.
October 22, 2018
I cant help but feel Lucy was very much let down. Not only by the foster carers but social services as well n all agency's involved. Not one adult pulled there finger out were Wendy was concerned!! The impression I got was Wendy was not challenged for her treatment towards Lucy. I felt really angry that Wendy got away with it all as not one person actually stepped up and said hang on a minute you should not treat Lucy this way. I read Cathy glass books n very much enjoy them as Cathy glass will actually get involved with things. She is careful n clever with how she goes about it and will deal with things where as i feel Angela should of grown a back bone. Lucy was young and needed social services and foster carers to back her corner more in regards to Dean and Wendy ( Lucy's father & step mother) reading this made me feel really frustrated and angry that more was not done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2019
Utterly heart-wrenching.
3 stars because I'm stingy with them.
3 stars because I'm stingy with them.
October 7, 2021
Doing an incredible job
I really enjoy the books by Angela Hart and can only marvel at how selflessly they, and other foster carers like them, give so much to disadvantaged children. My only bugbear is the constantly changing typefaces, which made this, and several other of her books, appear amateurish. You'd expect more from a publisher. There were also several incorrect use of words, e.g defect instead of deflect, which the editors should have picked up on. All in all I enjoyed the insight into what is for most of us a largely hidden world other than the odd heartbreaking stories which make the news. Thank you to all the Angela and Jonathan Harts.
I really enjoy the books by Angela Hart and can only marvel at how selflessly they, and other foster carers like them, give so much to disadvantaged children. My only bugbear is the constantly changing typefaces, which made this, and several other of her books, appear amateurish. You'd expect more from a publisher. There were also several incorrect use of words, e.g defect instead of deflect, which the editors should have picked up on. All in all I enjoyed the insight into what is for most of us a largely hidden world other than the odd heartbreaking stories which make the news. Thank you to all the Angela and Jonathan Harts.
August 30, 2018
This is a true story written by a foster parent about a young girl she helped to hold her life together when there were problems at home. It is well written and draws you into the child’s life. I like how Angela didn’t take sides and tried to see the problem from everybody’s different point of view. It was heartbreaking but an interesting look into the world of fostering at the same time. I understand that Angela has written more books about other children she fostered over the years. I will definitely be reading these too.
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January 29, 2019Three and a half star rating.
A true story of an 8 year old girl who was placed in foster care because the stepmother couldn’t or wouldn’t look after her. A heartbreaking read of how a small girl was continually let down by the system, an overbearing, nasty woman and a weak willed father. It takes a special kind of person to foster children and thankfully there are those who are prepared to look after and heal damaged children. This book should come complete with tissues! I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A true story of an 8 year old girl who was placed in foster care because the stepmother couldn’t or wouldn’t look after her. A heartbreaking read of how a small girl was continually let down by the system, an overbearing, nasty woman and a weak willed father. It takes a special kind of person to foster children and thankfully there are those who are prepared to look after and heal damaged children. This book should come complete with tissues! I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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