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Please Don't Take My Sisters
Three-year-old Lexie, five-year-old Amelie and thirteen-year-old Leo come to Maggie after Leo confesses to a teacher that his mother's addiction problems and her latest violent relationship has left him as the sole carer to his younger sisters.
Maggie welcomes the three children into her home, and is touched by the gentle care Leo shows to the two little girls. It is clear that Lexie and Amelie adore their big brother, and rely on him for comfort and reassurance. But Leo has experienced the neglect and abuse of his mother and her partner for far longer than his sisters, and is struggling with an eating disorder and showing signs of OCD.
When Social Services begin to look at adoptive families for the children, Maggie is horrified when they suggest that the two angelic little girls will have a much better chance of being adopted without their damaged older brother. Knowing the impact that losing his sisters forever will have on vulnerable Leo, they face the ultimate dilemma. Should the children stay together and dash the hope of them ever having a forever family? Or do they sacrifice the close bond between the siblings to give the girls a chance to be adopted?
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2019
154 people are currently reading
896 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
August 11, 2019
Great Book- But So Sad
*****MAJOR SPOILER ALERT*****
I’ve read every single book by Maggie, Cathy Glass, Casey Watson, etc....- and this was by far just the saddest one! I kept waiting for the adoptive parents to decide to take Leo, too, but it didn’t happen. Like Maggie said, I understand their reasoning as to why they separated the kids, but I think it was all wrong, cruel, immoral and improperly handled. As I see it, they literally sacrificed one child just to give the other two an adopted family, which I think they would have been just fine with a nice foster family, in order to keep them together. Poor, poor Leo never should have had to be a part of his sisters getting ready to move on without him. It was as if he was being punished for something, having had to go through all of that. Just heartbreaking! I don’t have any idea of what would have been a “better” way to have handled preparing for the separation, just not the way it was. I don’t think there would have been anything wrong in keeping them together and in care, and they could have even stayed with Maggie. I bet at least in some way, separating them also had to do with money, by not having the two little girls in care for the next 15 years, I’m sure it saved a lot. So wrong! The only positive I could find in the entire situation was that at least Leo was able to receive the help he so desperately needed. But, I also don’t think he would have needed as much help if he hadn’t lost his sisters, as he was starting to improve under Maggie’s care before he learned of the separation. Just a sad, sad story all the way around.
*****MAJOR SPOILER ALERT*****
I’ve read every single book by Maggie, Cathy Glass, Casey Watson, etc....- and this was by far just the saddest one! I kept waiting for the adoptive parents to decide to take Leo, too, but it didn’t happen. Like Maggie said, I understand their reasoning as to why they separated the kids, but I think it was all wrong, cruel, immoral and improperly handled. As I see it, they literally sacrificed one child just to give the other two an adopted family, which I think they would have been just fine with a nice foster family, in order to keep them together. Poor, poor Leo never should have had to be a part of his sisters getting ready to move on without him. It was as if he was being punished for something, having had to go through all of that. Just heartbreaking! I don’t have any idea of what would have been a “better” way to have handled preparing for the separation, just not the way it was. I don’t think there would have been anything wrong in keeping them together and in care, and they could have even stayed with Maggie. I bet at least in some way, separating them also had to do with money, by not having the two little girls in care for the next 15 years, I’m sure it saved a lot. So wrong! The only positive I could find in the entire situation was that at least Leo was able to receive the help he so desperately needed. But, I also don’t think he would have needed as much help if he hadn’t lost his sisters, as he was starting to improve under Maggie’s care before he learned of the separation. Just a sad, sad story all the way around.
October 6, 2019
This has got to be the most saddest book I've ever read 3 children taken in to foster care to be looked after by Maggie. These poor children have been cast aside by there mum. Then the sisters are put up for adoption, but not Leo their brother who has looked after his sisters all there life's. Then the sisters are taken away to live with there forever family and poor Leo had to cope with losing them, no wonder he went on a meltdown to self harm again. I applaud Maggie for her devotion to the children in her care. If you do read this book make sure you have plenty tissues ready you will need them.
July 6, 2024
Oh my god this story broke my heart… the system massively lets Leo down, if your interested in fostering and the way things work out sometimes please give this a read
August 10, 2019
Sad, sad story.
July 27, 2021
I found this story to be devastatingly heartbreaking, and I spent most of the book sobbing with Kleenexes in hand.
If you follow me on here, you have probably seen that I have been reading a lot of books on this subject this summer. I have been enjoying learning about modern foster care from these books, and I have also been working toward finding some healing or at least some understanding of something painful in my earlier life.
When I was around five years old I had a best friend in school. She was a foster daughter of family friends, and she shared an early start class with me in school because we both had a disability. She was murdered by her mother shortlyafter being returned by a judge who thought the mother had been rehabilitated. None of our older family members thought the mother was in a position to get custody and be a responsible parent, but like mini addicts, she was very good at lying to the judge and manipulating some of the caseworkers around her. I felt so much grief when my friend left our school system to return return to her mother. She was dead within a few weeks, and there was new grief with new tears to shed. So I have always had a heightened awareness and concern for children in foster care.
I have been reading these stories in part because I enjoy the writing of the author, and I also want to understand how children in foster care live, grow, and sometimes heal. I also feel a strong sense of duty to not turn away from the ugliness in our society.
Because I can’t physically manage fostering children with my current health issues, I want to get involved with fundraising, offering mentorship to teenagers where needed and maybe just an extra set of loving arms for nursery children who are in our church and who are also part of the foster care system. However, I need to take a break after reading this story. There are so many heart wrenching stories about children who need foster care. This one just really club me over the head and shattered my heart. I’ll be back in time though, and I will continue to grow from my experiences as well as what I have read this summer.
If you follow me on here, you have probably seen that I have been reading a lot of books on this subject this summer. I have been enjoying learning about modern foster care from these books, and I have also been working toward finding some healing or at least some understanding of something painful in my earlier life.
When I was around five years old I had a best friend in school. She was a foster daughter of family friends, and she shared an early start class with me in school because we both had a disability. She was murdered by her mother shortlyafter being returned by a judge who thought the mother had been rehabilitated. None of our older family members thought the mother was in a position to get custody and be a responsible parent, but like mini addicts, she was very good at lying to the judge and manipulating some of the caseworkers around her. I felt so much grief when my friend left our school system to return return to her mother. She was dead within a few weeks, and there was new grief with new tears to shed. So I have always had a heightened awareness and concern for children in foster care.
I have been reading these stories in part because I enjoy the writing of the author, and I also want to understand how children in foster care live, grow, and sometimes heal. I also feel a strong sense of duty to not turn away from the ugliness in our society.
Because I can’t physically manage fostering children with my current health issues, I want to get involved with fundraising, offering mentorship to teenagers where needed and maybe just an extra set of loving arms for nursery children who are in our church and who are also part of the foster care system. However, I need to take a break after reading this story. There are so many heart wrenching stories about children who need foster care. This one just really club me over the head and shattered my heart. I’ll be back in time though, and I will continue to grow from my experiences as well as what I have read this summer.
August 13, 2019
Leo Lexi Amelie
This has got to be the most hardest book I've ever read 3 children taken in to foster care to be looked after by Maggie ,why do social services always think they know best these poor children cast aside by there mam then the girls put up for adoption but not Leo that poor child who looked after these girls all there life's then the girls taken away to live with there forever family and poor Leo had to cope with all that no wonder he went on a meltdown to self harm again .I only hope social services have learnt something from this case that is don't split up families .I applaud Maggie for her devotion to children in her care and maybe now social services will listen to foster carers of you read this book have plenty tissues ready you will need them 5 STARS.
This has got to be the most hardest book I've ever read 3 children taken in to foster care to be looked after by Maggie ,why do social services always think they know best these poor children cast aside by there mam then the girls put up for adoption but not Leo that poor child who looked after these girls all there life's then the girls taken away to live with there forever family and poor Leo had to cope with all that no wonder he went on a meltdown to self harm again .I only hope social services have learnt something from this case that is don't split up families .I applaud Maggie for her devotion to children in her care and maybe now social services will listen to foster carers of you read this book have plenty tissues ready you will need them 5 STARS.
August 20, 2019
I really don't know what to say about this book without unintentionally giving away what ends up happening to the children Maggie fosters in this story, but I will say that it was amazingly written. Parts of it were very heart-wrenching and disturbing, but that goes with the territory when you read foster care stories. Part of this book--well, a lot of this book I should say--made me very angry as well, but again, I can't go into why without completely spoiling it for everyone else who might wish to read it. Very emotionally engaging, and at times, heartbreaking!
August 23, 2019
3,5 stars. Truly heartbreaking.
March 28, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. It gave me a real insight into what foster carers do and the lives of some children. Also the complexities and frustration of the care system.
October 1, 2019
Another heartbreaking true story.
I've read quite a few books now by this author and this was another page-turner. Maggie Hartley has a nice, warm, easy way with words, and her books are quick and easy to read. There were parts of this particular true fostering story that definitely weren't comfortable reading though. It made me angry, frustrated-I was absolutely gripped........and often shouting out "No, no, no". What the social services chose in this case was totally inexplicable to me. Unimaginable. This was a heartbreaking and heartwrenching read. Another great book from Maggie Hartley, and I will be reading more.
I've read quite a few books now by this author and this was another page-turner. Maggie Hartley has a nice, warm, easy way with words, and her books are quick and easy to read. There were parts of this particular true fostering story that definitely weren't comfortable reading though. It made me angry, frustrated-I was absolutely gripped........and often shouting out "No, no, no". What the social services chose in this case was totally inexplicable to me. Unimaginable. This was a heartbreaking and heartwrenching read. Another great book from Maggie Hartley, and I will be reading more.
August 24, 2019
I was so sad through out this book. First all they had to go through with their Mother being an addict. The two little girls were so lucky that they had their big brother Leo to take care of them. Then when they end up at Maggie's House, they went to their brother for everything. He did such an amazing job with them. I was so sad when they said they were going to spilt them up. It was so cruel to have him involved with them meeting their new mom & dad. It had to be torture on him like it would be on anyone. Why did the adults not see this and let it happen. I love the way Maggie Hartley writes. You do not want to put her books down. I cried when he was chasing the car. I was hoping when the new dad got out of the car he would of decided to take Leo with him, as he already had two teenage boys. what would one more be. I dont get that. I do not want to spoil the book. I would highly recommend this book, but just know it is a very sad one.
February 8, 2025
Maggie Hartley delivers another heart-wrenching yet inspiring foster care memoir in Please Don’t Take My Sisters. This true story follows three siblings—Leo, Amelie, and Lexie—who are placed in Maggie Hartley’s care after experiencing severe neglect and trauma. As she works to provide them with stability and love, she faces the heartbreaking possibility that they may be separated.
Maggie Hartley’s storytelling is both compassionate and powerful, giving readers a deeply personal look at the struggles children in care face and the dedication of foster carers. This book is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with moments of heartbreak, hope, and resilience. If you love real-life stories about overcoming adversity and the impact of foster care, this is a must-read.
If you enjoy books like this, join us at Fostering, Memoirs & Fiction Book Club on Facebook, where we talk books and share our love for them!
Maggie Hartley’s storytelling is both compassionate and powerful, giving readers a deeply personal look at the struggles children in care face and the dedication of foster carers. This book is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with moments of heartbreak, hope, and resilience. If you love real-life stories about overcoming adversity and the impact of foster care, this is a must-read.
If you enjoy books like this, join us at Fostering, Memoirs & Fiction Book Club on Facebook, where we talk books and share our love for them!
August 13, 2019
PleaseDon’t Take My Sisters. By Maggie Hartley.
What a sad tale of a beautiful big brother. Leo being a devoted big brother has done everything for his younger sisters ... he has been their carer all their short lives ... a mother who had given birth to these children but never cared for their well being! He always put the girls wellbeing above his own!
Leo has his own worries to overcome but how can he put himself above his two little sisters ... he can’t and wont! The authorities do the unthinkable which then puts more pressure on Leo ... a mere 13 year old boy.
A very emotional read .. tears will be shed ... How Maggie got herself through what she could see was not the best situation for the children shows what a incredible woman she is!
What a sad tale of a beautiful big brother. Leo being a devoted big brother has done everything for his younger sisters ... he has been their carer all their short lives ... a mother who had given birth to these children but never cared for their well being! He always put the girls wellbeing above his own!
Leo has his own worries to overcome but how can he put himself above his two little sisters ... he can’t and wont! The authorities do the unthinkable which then puts more pressure on Leo ... a mere 13 year old boy.
A very emotional read .. tears will be shed ... How Maggie got herself through what she could see was not the best situation for the children shows what a incredible woman she is!
August 16, 2024
speechless
As if I didn’t think the book before the next one couldn’t be more sad I read the next one & proven wrong. I will always have mixed feelings about social services and some choices they think is best (even if I can see the point they make) but holy hell! Poor Leo I hope he’s stronger now and healthier and know he’s deeply loved. What a GUT WRENCHING story I haven’t felt this torn apart about a story in a very long time! I hope he heals and one day is truly happy and still has a relationship with his sisters. IN A WAY i feel the system is disgusting and they don’t always make the best choices but at the end of the day there is nothing that can be done. So we just remain positive be supportive and do our best. God bless Maggie.
As if I didn’t think the book before the next one couldn’t be more sad I read the next one & proven wrong. I will always have mixed feelings about social services and some choices they think is best (even if I can see the point they make) but holy hell! Poor Leo I hope he’s stronger now and healthier and know he’s deeply loved. What a GUT WRENCHING story I haven’t felt this torn apart about a story in a very long time! I hope he heals and one day is truly happy and still has a relationship with his sisters. IN A WAY i feel the system is disgusting and they don’t always make the best choices but at the end of the day there is nothing that can be done. So we just remain positive be supportive and do our best. God bless Maggie.
August 20, 2019
I've read several of Maggie's books, and this was so sad. I really felt for Leo and cried thinking of what he had to go through. I think they should have searched a little more for a family for all three children instead of separating them. I did cry while reading this book that really touched my heart. God bless Maggie for making the choice to never again be involved in such an adoption separating siblings.
June 29, 2021
Another amazing read of Maggie Hartleys. Heartbreaking but very interesting. Maggie takes on such difficult cases and this has to be one of her hardest. This book is about 3 siblings being separated after living traumatic lives with their birth mother. Maggie proves again just how amazing a Foster carer she is and how she always does her best by the children she looks after no matter what the circumstances.
May 13, 2024
This book was utterly heartbreaking. I already knew from Cathy Glass books how evil the social services can be, but splitting up this sibling group when they were in a good home and Maggie had agreed to take them all on full time, was just pure evil. It's not like they couldn't find a long-term foster home. They were already in one. And they ruined Leo's life anyway. Shame on them. I don't know how those people sleep at night.
August 9, 2019
One of the saddest books I've ever read
I couldn't put this book down once I started. And not did it make me cry. My heart was broken for these children,Leo is an amazing big brother and he should be very proud of himself.I hope that he gets to stay in touch with his sisters...I also praise Maggie for all the good work she does...
I couldn't put this book down once I started. And not did it make me cry. My heart was broken for these children,Leo is an amazing big brother and he should be very proud of himself.I hope that he gets to stay in touch with his sisters...I also praise Maggie for all the good work she does...
August 11, 2019
Oh my what a rollercoaster ! Maggie Hartley I take my hat of to you.
A very moving read. I have read all of Maggie's books but I've not cried so much as I did reading this one. I could not put it down at the same time I found it heart breaking to read. What a wonderful job she does. I highly recommend this book
A very moving read. I have read all of Maggie's books but I've not cried so much as I did reading this one. I could not put it down at the same time I found it heart breaking to read. What a wonderful job she does. I highly recommend this book
August 18, 2019
This was a really good book but it was one of the hardest books to read by this author. It was very sad what these children went threw especially leo. This book was very sad and emotional and very hard to read. It was lovely the way Maggie looked after them. Leo especially struggled and did not deserve everything that happened to him. The way he cared about his little sisters was so touching.
April 2, 2020
Another good read
A great insight into the emotional challenges foster carers face especially when decisions are out of there hands. I had tears in my eyes reading about the turmoil Leo faced, especially watching his sister's drive away. I wish I knew how it progressed for all three siblings and if the decisions that were made were the right ones.
A great insight into the emotional challenges foster carers face especially when decisions are out of there hands. I had tears in my eyes reading about the turmoil Leo faced, especially watching his sister's drive away. I wish I knew how it progressed for all three siblings and if the decisions that were made were the right ones.
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August 16, 2020I feel with books like this it’s unfair to give a star review. This book is sooooo sad! Whilst this is a distressing situation it is unfortunately something that is seen often. Books like this are good to increase awareness and show that there is much more to the area of child protecting and fostering than people Amy believe.
October 24, 2020
Amazing ,heart wrenching!!!
A wonderful story, well written, hard to put down. I feel as if I know these children personally, I cried with them. Maggie and what she went through, a very strong woman,heart wrenching. I would love to read a follow up, of how the children are doing now, especially Leo.
A wonderful story, well written, hard to put down. I feel as if I know these children personally, I cried with them. Maggie and what she went through, a very strong woman,heart wrenching. I would love to read a follow up, of how the children are doing now, especially Leo.
May 7, 2021
Sad
This is the saddest story I have read written by Maggie Hartley. I cried along with Leo and Maggie as his sisters went to an adoptive family and he didn't. It is a sad story but one that needed to be told. Maggie Hartley was the perfect one to do it. She a perfect person to tell about her carer career.
This is the saddest story I have read written by Maggie Hartley. I cried along with Leo and Maggie as his sisters went to an adoptive family and he didn't. It is a sad story but one that needed to be told. Maggie Hartley was the perfect one to do it. She a perfect person to tell about her carer career.
August 13, 2019
Very emotional tearjearker good read
Wow I was so much into it i couldn't stop. I also couldn't stop crying 😢 but glad things turned out better. I felt so sorry for them all especially Leo. Thanks for sharing it Maggie
Wow I was so much into it i couldn't stop. I also couldn't stop crying 😢 but glad things turned out better. I felt so sorry for them all especially Leo. Thanks for sharing it Maggie
August 18, 2019
Maggie's memories of her foster children are very poignant and Please Don't Take My Sisters is no different. How heartbreaking to be separated from your family and how hard must that have been for Maggie to have to deal with. I'm so pleased that it seemed to turn out well in the end.
August 18, 2019
Poor Lep
I wonder how these kids are now. Leo asked you to keep in touch so do you still see him now? Do you still have contact ? I imagine these kids are grow n now . Did they get back in touch with each other as adults ?
I wonder how these kids are now. Leo asked you to keep in touch so do you still see him now? Do you still have contact ? I imagine these kids are grow n now . Did they get back in touch with each other as adults ?
September 20, 2019
This book was so sad. Of all the books I have read to date I must say I have never cried reading any of them, till I read this book. My heart went out to all concerned in this book. It was a very well written book. Well done Maggie for all the hard work you put into the children.
September 29, 2019
Another brilliant book from Maggie Hartley. I couldn't put it down, you definitely need to have tissues ready. It is a heartbreaking book and I really felt sorry for Leo.
I hope that Leo manages to get all the help he needs and that he and his sisters stay in touch.
I hope that Leo manages to get all the help he needs and that he and his sisters stay in touch.
September 30, 2019
Another great book by Maggie, the daily struggles foster carers have to deal with on a daily basis.. a brother and his younger siblings being rejected by their mother then for it to change again is heart breaking
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews