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Daddy's Little Soldier
Quiet and polite, obsessively neat, clean and tidy, eight-year-old Tom is unlike any child Maggie has ever fostered before. Tom has been taken into care following concerns that his dad is struggling to cope after the death of Tom's mum. At first, Maggie doesn't know what to make of this shy, nervous little boy who never cries and is terrified of getting dirty. But as Tom's cleaning rituals start to get more extreme, Maggie fears that there's something more sinister going on beneath the surface. When she meets Tom's dad Mark, a stern ex-soldier and strict disciplinarian, it's clear that Tom's life at home without his mummy has been a constant battlefield. Can Maggie help Mark to raise a son and not a soldier? Or is little Tom going to lose his daddy too?A true story of hope from Sunday Times bestselling author Maggie Hartley, a foster carer for over 20 years.'Such a moving story' 5* Amazon reader review
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2019
193 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 29, 2020
Another deeply emotional journey into Maggie Hartley's life as a foster mother.
This time she is tasked with looking after an eight year old called Tom, who appears to be conscientious, clean and tidy. Or, maybe he's a bit TOO clean and tidy. He gets upset when he can't lay the table, starts crying if he gets mud on his shoes, and does press ups in his room as a "punishment." As Maggie uncovers Tom's past, she is horrified at how his neurotic actions have come about. Heart-breaking story, told as ever with Maggie's charm and good grace. Onto her next one soon!
This time she is tasked with looking after an eight year old called Tom, who appears to be conscientious, clean and tidy. Or, maybe he's a bit TOO clean and tidy. He gets upset when he can't lay the table, starts crying if he gets mud on his shoes, and does press ups in his room as a "punishment." As Maggie uncovers Tom's past, she is horrified at how his neurotic actions have come about. Heart-breaking story, told as ever with Maggie's charm and good grace. Onto her next one soon!
August 15, 2025
another brilliant book by maggie hartley. Tom's story shows how some families can struggle with grief and just need a guiding hand
April 5, 2019
Tom
Another great book by this author social workers get bad press but without them where would these children be people like Maggie Hartley make a difference in a child's life like she did with Tom and his dad 5 STARS.
Another great book by this author social workers get bad press but without them where would these children be people like Maggie Hartley make a difference in a child's life like she did with Tom and his dad 5 STARS.
April 5, 2019
Worth the read!!
This book brought tears.of sadness and tears of joy to my eyes, it shows that how you handle grief can effect everyone around you and hos.important it is to open up to others!
This book brought tears.of sadness and tears of joy to my eyes, it shows that how you handle grief can effect everyone around you and hos.important it is to open up to others!
April 5, 2019
A great story
I love your books they are so real and honest. I love that you care for the kids you watch. Looking forward to your next book. Love that your daughter is happily married. A great story Thank you
I love your books they are so real and honest. I love that you care for the kids you watch. Looking forward to your next book. Love that your daughter is happily married. A great story Thank you
July 9, 2021
I enjoyed reading the story of how a family learns to overcome grief and abuse and to be reborn into something good.
April 10, 2019
Another great book, really enjoyed it.
February 27, 2021
Huge tearjerker!
Absolutely incredible. I’ve read almost every book by her and similar authors and this is by far one of the best
Absolutely incredible. I’ve read almost every book by her and similar authors and this is by far one of the best
August 22, 2023
I love Maggie Hartley books (despite the heartbreaking things that often happen in them) and this was another fantastic read!
There’s only one thing that I’ve noticed. It doesn’t affect my rating, but it’s something I’ve noticed.
Spoilers ahead so don’t read if you don’t want plot points of this and Maggie’s latest release (Where’s My Mummy?) to be spoiled.
…
In this book, there’s a part in the wedding chapter where Maggie reflects on how Louisa had come to her several years ago, “clinging to her social worker”. In the book that’s been written about Louisa’s story (Where’s My Mummy?) Louisa is in a coma and has to learn everything again. She doesn’t arrive at Maggie’s immediately after her parents died but rather comes home with her after about six months in the hospital, two months in a coma and four months relearning how to walk, talk, eat etc. And she doesn’t come to the house with her social worker?
Another thing - she was in a coma which is a huge deal, but there’s no mention of that in other books?! Why would something so major never be mentioned again?
Also. In this book there’s a part where Tom, before a visit to his mum’s grave, asks Louisa if she’s ever been to see her parents grave. Louisa tells him that she hasn’t because her parents were cremated and tells him how she, with Maggie by her side, scattered the ashes in the Lake District where she used to holiday with her parents. But in Where’s My Mummy?, Maggie takes Louisa to see her parents grave?
I’m so confused?
Like I know that they change names, places and certain events in these books to protect the children, but let’s take Cathy Glass for example. One of her children (Lucy) is adopted. Obviously names etc are changed but the story of her life remains consistent in all the books Lucy appears in. With Maggie Hartley it isn’t always consistent, and I’m not sure why.
Just a small thing, but it confused me a little.
There’s only one thing that I’ve noticed. It doesn’t affect my rating, but it’s something I’ve noticed.
Spoilers ahead so don’t read if you don’t want plot points of this and Maggie’s latest release (Where’s My Mummy?) to be spoiled.
…
In this book, there’s a part in the wedding chapter where Maggie reflects on how Louisa had come to her several years ago, “clinging to her social worker”. In the book that’s been written about Louisa’s story (Where’s My Mummy?) Louisa is in a coma and has to learn everything again. She doesn’t arrive at Maggie’s immediately after her parents died but rather comes home with her after about six months in the hospital, two months in a coma and four months relearning how to walk, talk, eat etc. And she doesn’t come to the house with her social worker?
Another thing - she was in a coma which is a huge deal, but there’s no mention of that in other books?! Why would something so major never be mentioned again?
Also. In this book there’s a part where Tom, before a visit to his mum’s grave, asks Louisa if she’s ever been to see her parents grave. Louisa tells him that she hasn’t because her parents were cremated and tells him how she, with Maggie by her side, scattered the ashes in the Lake District where she used to holiday with her parents. But in Where’s My Mummy?, Maggie takes Louisa to see her parents grave?
I’m so confused?
Like I know that they change names, places and certain events in these books to protect the children, but let’s take Cathy Glass for example. One of her children (Lucy) is adopted. Obviously names etc are changed but the story of her life remains consistent in all the books Lucy appears in. With Maggie Hartley it isn’t always consistent, and I’m not sure why.
Just a small thing, but it confused me a little.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2025
A Powerful and Emotional Read – Worth Sticking With
It took me four months to get through Daddy’s Little Soldier—not because it wasn’t a great book, but because life got in the way, and I hit a bit of a reading slump. But every time I picked it back up, I was completely drawn into Tom’s story.
Tom is an eight-year-old boy placed into foster care after his dad struggles to cope with the loss of Tom’s mum. At first, he seems quiet, polite, and obsessively neat—almost too perfect. But as his need for cleanliness and order becomes more extreme, it’s clear there’s something deeper going on. When Maggie meets his dad, an ex-soldier who runs his home with strict discipline, she begins to understand why Tom behaves the way he does. It’s heartbreaking to see a child so desperate to stay in control, terrified of making a mistake.
What I love about Maggie Hartley’s books is how much compassion and patience she brings to each child’s story. This one really hit me emotionally—you can feel how much Tom just wants to be loved and how lost his dad is without his wife. It’s frustrating at times, hopeful at others, and so beautifully written.
Even though it took me a while to finish, I’m really glad I stuck with it. If you enjoy real-life fostering stories that highlight both the struggles and triumphs of children in care, this is definitely worth reading.
If you love books like this, come join us in our Facebook group “Fostering Memoirs and Fiction Book Club”—a space where we share recommendations, reviews, and discussions with like-minded book lovers!
It took me four months to get through Daddy’s Little Soldier—not because it wasn’t a great book, but because life got in the way, and I hit a bit of a reading slump. But every time I picked it back up, I was completely drawn into Tom’s story.
Tom is an eight-year-old boy placed into foster care after his dad struggles to cope with the loss of Tom’s mum. At first, he seems quiet, polite, and obsessively neat—almost too perfect. But as his need for cleanliness and order becomes more extreme, it’s clear there’s something deeper going on. When Maggie meets his dad, an ex-soldier who runs his home with strict discipline, she begins to understand why Tom behaves the way he does. It’s heartbreaking to see a child so desperate to stay in control, terrified of making a mistake.
What I love about Maggie Hartley’s books is how much compassion and patience she brings to each child’s story. This one really hit me emotionally—you can feel how much Tom just wants to be loved and how lost his dad is without his wife. It’s frustrating at times, hopeful at others, and so beautifully written.
Even though it took me a while to finish, I’m really glad I stuck with it. If you enjoy real-life fostering stories that highlight both the struggles and triumphs of children in care, this is definitely worth reading.
If you love books like this, come join us in our Facebook group “Fostering Memoirs and Fiction Book Club”—a space where we share recommendations, reviews, and discussions with like-minded book lovers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2019
Daddy’s Little Soldier by Maggie Hartley.
The story of Tom a eight year old boy who has recently lost his mother. His dad a ex-army man who has spent limited time with his son because of his life in the army can only look after his son the way he knows best.
Tom is a polite, well behaved boy ... Maggie finds Tom to be quiet, nervous and unwilling to want to play with toys or other children .... he is a spotless child ... soon she understands why he is this way and in time how she can make him understand that life has some fun to be had.
The way Maggie Hartley can help Tom and his father Mark learn how to communicate with each other and help them both cope with their mum and wife dying.
A great story that will have shedding tears both in sadness and happiness!
The story of Tom a eight year old boy who has recently lost his mother. His dad a ex-army man who has spent limited time with his son because of his life in the army can only look after his son the way he knows best.
Tom is a polite, well behaved boy ... Maggie finds Tom to be quiet, nervous and unwilling to want to play with toys or other children .... he is a spotless child ... soon she understands why he is this way and in time how she can make him understand that life has some fun to be had.
The way Maggie Hartley can help Tom and his father Mark learn how to communicate with each other and help them both cope with their mum and wife dying.
A great story that will have shedding tears both in sadness and happiness!
August 20, 2020
Half of my life
This book is so much a part of my life my heart was so touched by all of it. My dad died at 37 when I was 11 to be 12 in a few mins my mom dated a little and to this day I can not think about that. Then she married a man much like Mark so much confusion for five kids two siblings don't bother with her bc of him I still don't get it but the one thing good is the man always talked well about our dad. Even took us to see our grand pop on my dad's side's a five hour trip. There's so much between all I wrote but it would take a talented person to put it together. My dad has been gone 52years
This book is so much a part of my life my heart was so touched by all of it. My dad died at 37 when I was 11 to be 12 in a few mins my mom dated a little and to this day I can not think about that. Then she married a man much like Mark so much confusion for five kids two siblings don't bother with her bc of him I still don't get it but the one thing good is the man always talked well about our dad. Even took us to see our grand pop on my dad's side's a five hour trip. There's so much between all I wrote but it would take a talented person to put it together. My dad has been gone 52years
April 19, 2019
Another good read from Maggie Hartley.
I've read quite a few of Maggie Hartley's fostering memoirs now, and this one did not disappoint. I love her easy-to-read conversational style, so simply told, fast moving, you just can't put them down. Maggie's foster daughter, Louisa's wedding is also included in this book so it was a well balanced tale. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I've read quite a few of Maggie Hartley's fostering memoirs now, and this one did not disappoint. I love her easy-to-read conversational style, so simply told, fast moving, you just can't put them down. Maggie's foster daughter, Louisa's wedding is also included in this book so it was a well balanced tale. I look forward to reading more from this author.
March 12, 2021
He's not in the Army
Tom's father was in the Army. Now newly Widowed, he treats Tom like a new recruit. With Kathy's help he learns to accept his wife 's death and how to care for his son It is an emotional read as Kathy's long term foster daughter married and prepared to leave home. Both subject are handled lovingly and with great care. This is a wonderful read of sensitive subject.
Tom's father was in the Army. Now newly Widowed, he treats Tom like a new recruit. With Kathy's help he learns to accept his wife 's death and how to care for his son It is an emotional read as Kathy's long term foster daughter married and prepared to leave home. Both subject are handled lovingly and with great care. This is a wonderful read of sensitive subject.
July 10, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - I am in awe of the amazing person Maggie is, she is so calm, sensitive and helpful.
I’m so happy that Tom got to go and live with his dad again, and Maggie was able to get through to Mark and let him open up about everything that was bothering him.
Fingers crossed they grew together and had the best future!
I’m so happy that Tom got to go and live with his dad again, and Maggie was able to get through to Mark and let him open up about everything that was bothering him.
Fingers crossed they grew together and had the best future!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2019
Great read
Loved this book . As always it is very well written and makes you think about the world we live in and the many different problems that family have to work there way through
Loved this book . As always it is very well written and makes you think about the world we live in and the many different problems that family have to work there way through
August 11, 2019
Beautiful read
Yet another fantastic read from maggie, you are a amazing woman, that brings joy into children's lives again. Whatever the sadness, you have a way to make their lives better again.
Yet another fantastic read from maggie, you are a amazing woman, that brings joy into children's lives again. Whatever the sadness, you have a way to make their lives better again.
December 21, 2019
Understanding Grief
Grief can manifest itself in so many ways. I'm really glad the father and son were able to work through it. Tom sounded like such a gorgeous little boy. Great read.
Grief can manifest itself in so many ways. I'm really glad the father and son were able to work through it. Tom sounded like such a gorgeous little boy. Great read.
February 6, 2020
Another amazing read of Maggie Hartley. I have read most of her books now and each one is emotional and Maggie comes across as a brilliant Foster Carer with lots of experience and a kind nature. I will be reading any books of hers that I haven't so far and any future releases.
April 4, 2020
Couldn’t put it down, this is the 5th book of Maggies that I have read and it was just as sad and raw as the others, it was amazing how Maggie managed to help both Tom and mark through their grief and help them to reunite their bond! Amazing makes me want to foster even more than I already did
April 15, 2020
A well written true story of a foster mum who does a fantastic job with a father and son just a brilliant page turner. Maggie does a fantastic job and to know that she is out there having these children and helping them should bring hope to everyone.
May 9, 2020
Brilliant read
Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. I thought Tom was such a sweetheart who was caught up in his dad's agony. It had my crying and laughing in equal measures.
Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. I thought Tom was such a sweetheart who was caught up in his dad's agony. It had my crying and laughing in equal measures.
January 2, 2021
Daddy's Little Soldier
I love Maggie Hartley Books and I don't have too many left to read so she better keep writing. This book was just such a good story line and nothing gruesome and graphic about it.Loves the story from beginning to end!!!
I love Maggie Hartley Books and I don't have too many left to read so she better keep writing. This book was just such a good story line and nothing gruesome and graphic about it.Loves the story from beginning to end!!!
January 27, 2024
I have been reading a number of different fostering books and this one got me. Very well written and about such a good boy. Shows a different insight to the fostering programme and how much it can work for families and children in the long run.
April 8, 2019
Lovely
Maggie, you are awesome. You write some of the best books. You never disappoint. I loved the way this ended
Maggie, you are awesome. You write some of the best books. You never disappoint. I loved the way this ended
April 14, 2019
Another great read
Couldn't put it down
Couldn't put it down
April 20, 2019
Really lovely book, she's how much she cares abt the children in her care.
April 28, 2019
Emotional but lovely story.
April 28, 2019
Great read
Maggie's books are always really great. But this one really was her best by far. Really enjoyed the happy outcome
Maggie's books are always really great. But this one really was her best by far. Really enjoyed the happy outcome
May 17, 2019
Maggie Hartley has done it again!
Maggie Hartley 's foster care adventures are full of good sense and helpful! I wonder what her background is and how she became a foster carer.
Maggie Hartley 's foster care adventures are full of good sense and helpful! I wonder what her background is and how she became a foster carer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews