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I Adopted My Mom at the Bus Station
2nd Place Winner for Women's Fiction in the 2021 PenCraft Awards.
2021 New Mexico-Arizona Book Award Finalist for Fiction Other.
In the summer of 1993, on the ninth anniversary of her Mama’s death, Sandy runs away. Having a fear of germs is inconvenient when you’re on a road-trip adventure. However, needing to know what it’s like to have a mom, and to finally see the beach means more than anything to an eleven-year-old.
Some twenty years later, a man Sandy never wanted to see again shows up at her doorstep. When Sandy’s best friend places an ultimate life-changing decision in her hands, Sandy must venture back down the road, this time with the father she hates.
Making these decisions will be much easier with Justin, a long-time friend, by Sandy’s side. Yet, Justin’s help only leads to continued mixed emotions Sandy has been fighting for some time.
Sandy is searching for what she lost, but will she accept what she finds? A journey rich in history, the truth, and determining forgiveness with a touch of humor is the portrait of life.
2021 New Mexico-Arizona Book Award Finalist for Fiction Other.
In the summer of 1993, on the ninth anniversary of her Mama’s death, Sandy runs away. Having a fear of germs is inconvenient when you’re on a road-trip adventure. However, needing to know what it’s like to have a mom, and to finally see the beach means more than anything to an eleven-year-old.
Some twenty years later, a man Sandy never wanted to see again shows up at her doorstep. When Sandy’s best friend places an ultimate life-changing decision in her hands, Sandy must venture back down the road, this time with the father she hates.
Making these decisions will be much easier with Justin, a long-time friend, by Sandy’s side. Yet, Justin’s help only leads to continued mixed emotions Sandy has been fighting for some time.
Sandy is searching for what she lost, but will she accept what she finds? A journey rich in history, the truth, and determining forgiveness with a touch of humor is the portrait of life.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2020
567 people are currently reading
1223 people want to read
About the author
Savannah Hendricks
30 books369 followersREADING IS BETTER WITH A DOG
Annually, 10% of the proceeds from the sale of Savannah's books are donated to dog rescue organizations. Additionally, in memory of Mac, 5% of the proceeds from the sale of THE ALBUM will be donated to AKC Canine Health Foundation on a semi-annual basis to support canine epilepsy research.
Savannah is a short & sarcastic, award-winning author & social worker. She DOESN'T use AI or other technology to create her stories, she writes them from scratch.
Request a personalized autograph: http://savannahhendricks.com/
Annually, 10% of the proceeds from the sale of Savannah's books are donated to dog rescue organizations. Additionally, in memory of Mac, 5% of the proceeds from the sale of THE ALBUM will be donated to AKC Canine Health Foundation on a semi-annual basis to support canine epilepsy research.
Savannah is a short & sarcastic, award-winning author & social worker. She DOESN'T use AI or other technology to create her stories, she writes them from scratch.
Request a personalized autograph: http://savannahhendricks.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
January 11, 2022
I actually won this book in a Goodreads giveaway -- Thanks! I discovered a book and author I might not otherwise have tried.
I was drawn in by the title and opened the book as soon as I received it, then finished it later that day. For those looking for a well-written, but faster read this book is perfect. The book draws you in with interesting characters and changing relationships over the years. Although at times the book was predictable in the plot, the rich characters make it worth the read.
I was drawn in by the title and opened the book as soon as I received it, then finished it later that day. For those looking for a well-written, but faster read this book is perfect. The book draws you in with interesting characters and changing relationships over the years. Although at times the book was predictable in the plot, the rich characters make it worth the read.
July 13, 2020
What a superb book! It was a lot easier to read and quicker than writing it. I would defiantly recommend this book because if I didn't then, I probably shouldn't have written it.
January 1, 2021
I Adopted My Mom at the Bus Station! If there was ever an intriguing title for a book, this one is it! I love this title. It made me want to find out what this book could possibly be about. What a perfect title for the story told in the pages. It's a book that took me on an emotional journey with the main character, Sandy. As the story opens up, 11 year old Sandy is running away from home with only the clothes on her back. She runs to the bus station fleeing her grandparents who have raised her since her mom was killed when she was an infant. This is where the heart touching, emotional summer of 1993 begins for Sandy and her "adopted" mom.
All Sandy wants is a mom. "And I wanted to know what a Mom felt like, because....I miss what I've never had before." Sandy finds a kind and friendly woman at the bus station and she feels connected to her. Belinda. She could be her mom! She's kind, she has "motherly eyes", she's understanding, so much that a mom like Sandy wants so badly to have. Ms. Hendricks brings these two characters together throughout the story in a very compassionate and tender connection with each other. I love how the story is written in a dual time line with alternating chapters between the summer of 1993 and later when Sandy is 27 years old. The story is pieced together at a perfect pace filling the gaps in Sandy's life and what happened. There are unexpected surprises, twists and shocking events. The author touches on a sensitive subject with compassion and how difficult and devastating it can be. Ms. Hendricks writes a realistic story that had me yearning to be Sandy's mom. The characters in this story are so easy to connect to. They are human with feelings and emotions that Ms. Hendricks wrote into them tenderly and had me empathizing with each one. She adds humor, drama, anxiety, doubts and scenes written in details that were easy to visualize and had me experiencing them along with the characters. Oh! And the dog! Chester the Australian cattle dog, an absolutley win-my-heart pup. I loved him!
This book is about how sometimes things aren't always what they were portrayed to be. The truth isn't always what Sandy believed. I really appreciate the 11 year-old "voice" Ms. Hendricks wrote Sandy's story in. Perfection! There were several passages that will stick with me because of that "voice".....This is one of them: ""Sorry," my least favorite word of all the words in the world, other than "lima." Lima went with beans. Lima beans were almost as bad as sorry. Together they made the worst sentence possible: "Sorry, but we're having lima beans for supper." Sorry doesn't change anything, and that's why it's my least favorite word."" I can hear a pre-teen going with that.
This book took my heart in all sorts of emotional ways. I yearned for Sandy and how much she wanted a mom. I laughed, I cringed, I was shocked a few times, I cried. This story has a great message about finding a family, finding love and ultimately what happens when forgiveness opens hearts. This is an absolutely wonderful story that I loved. Ms. Hendricks' writing style is detailed, emotional, and captivating through her characters and passages. I am so grateful for the honor of reading it and how much it tugged at my "mom" strings. This is the second novel of Ms. Hendricks that I've read and I've enjoyed both very much. I want to thank her for sharing her gift of writing through her novels. This is a fantastic five star novel for me. I can't wait for the next one! Also, she writes children's books and my 3 year old granddaughter enjoyed her children's book "Nonnie and I" very much and the message that's shared in it. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my heartfelt own.
All Sandy wants is a mom. "And I wanted to know what a Mom felt like, because....I miss what I've never had before." Sandy finds a kind and friendly woman at the bus station and she feels connected to her. Belinda. She could be her mom! She's kind, she has "motherly eyes", she's understanding, so much that a mom like Sandy wants so badly to have. Ms. Hendricks brings these two characters together throughout the story in a very compassionate and tender connection with each other. I love how the story is written in a dual time line with alternating chapters between the summer of 1993 and later when Sandy is 27 years old. The story is pieced together at a perfect pace filling the gaps in Sandy's life and what happened. There are unexpected surprises, twists and shocking events. The author touches on a sensitive subject with compassion and how difficult and devastating it can be. Ms. Hendricks writes a realistic story that had me yearning to be Sandy's mom. The characters in this story are so easy to connect to. They are human with feelings and emotions that Ms. Hendricks wrote into them tenderly and had me empathizing with each one. She adds humor, drama, anxiety, doubts and scenes written in details that were easy to visualize and had me experiencing them along with the characters. Oh! And the dog! Chester the Australian cattle dog, an absolutley win-my-heart pup. I loved him!
This book is about how sometimes things aren't always what they were portrayed to be. The truth isn't always what Sandy believed. I really appreciate the 11 year-old "voice" Ms. Hendricks wrote Sandy's story in. Perfection! There were several passages that will stick with me because of that "voice".....This is one of them: ""Sorry," my least favorite word of all the words in the world, other than "lima." Lima went with beans. Lima beans were almost as bad as sorry. Together they made the worst sentence possible: "Sorry, but we're having lima beans for supper." Sorry doesn't change anything, and that's why it's my least favorite word."" I can hear a pre-teen going with that.
This book took my heart in all sorts of emotional ways. I yearned for Sandy and how much she wanted a mom. I laughed, I cringed, I was shocked a few times, I cried. This story has a great message about finding a family, finding love and ultimately what happens when forgiveness opens hearts. This is an absolutely wonderful story that I loved. Ms. Hendricks' writing style is detailed, emotional, and captivating through her characters and passages. I am so grateful for the honor of reading it and how much it tugged at my "mom" strings. This is the second novel of Ms. Hendricks that I've read and I've enjoyed both very much. I want to thank her for sharing her gift of writing through her novels. This is a fantastic five star novel for me. I can't wait for the next one! Also, she writes children's books and my 3 year old granddaughter enjoyed her children's book "Nonnie and I" very much and the message that's shared in it. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my heartfelt own.
July 23, 2021
This was the first book that I had read from this Author. I enjoyed it very much! The title is great. It makes a person wonder, and want to read. It tells the story of Sandy, that had to live with her grandparents because her Mom had died and her Father was in prison. But how did her Mother die and why was her father in prison? And what is keeping her from getting close to Justin? You will want to keep reading to find out! I highly recommend.
July 27, 2020
I think the present and past format made the book harder to put down. I wanted to find out what happened next at each part of her life.
I liked the mystery of what was foreshadowed and I was thinking of a few different ways things could have gone.
I do hope there is a second book. I feel like I need to know more about Sandy's future. I also need to know more about Molly since we didn't get much of her story. I really like looking at things from another perspective because it can change everything you thought you knew.
I liked the mystery of what was foreshadowed and I was thinking of a few different ways things could have gone.
I do hope there is a second book. I feel like I need to know more about Sandy's future. I also need to know more about Molly since we didn't get much of her story. I really like looking at things from another perspective because it can change everything you thought you knew.
August 7, 2020
This book played with all my emotions and thats what I love to find in a great story. I fell in love with all the characters and their stories told. I enjoyed how the chapters went from past to present. I didn't want this book to end! I definitely recommend it!
June 8, 2022
An extremely unique and adorable love story! Not just the love between a man and a woman (I'm in love with Justin!) but between a little girl and her teacher who becomes her adoptive mother. Such a beautiful look at relationships and creating your own family. I loved all the nods to '90s pop culture. Sweet and nostalgic.
October 17, 2020
Are you an 80’s baby who still adores everything the 80’s and 90’s gave us? Do you love sweet but, emotionally tough stories? Stories that give your heart a good talking to? If so, and even if you don’t, you should absolutely read this book!
Sandy meets her Mom, Belinda in a bus station after running away. Her life has been hard and without even thinking about it, without packing a bag, she up and decides she has to get away. So she does and that’s when she meets her Mom. Years later, her Dad is standing at her door knocking after being in prison for murdering her Mama.
This story was so good, it explored the truth, forgiveness, sadness, courage and so much more. The references to the 80’s and 90’s were not lost on me either, I absolutely ADORED them! Who didn’t grow up watching Beverly Hills 90210 or having slumber parties and watching Weekend at Bernies. Those were the days, the days where a kid could be at home by themselves without parents having to worry.
An all around feel good type of read, I cannot wait to read more by Savannah, she is truly an awesome person! Her children’s books are wonderful as well, if this is on your to be read list, I highly recommend you read it this weekend!! The overall theme of love and forgiveness, though hard at times, is a remarkable thing and for that this book gets 5 stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Also, I could totally see this becoming a series Savannah! Maybe see how Dixie Lynn grows up? Or maybe Molly’s point of view? wink wink!
Sandy meets her Mom, Belinda in a bus station after running away. Her life has been hard and without even thinking about it, without packing a bag, she up and decides she has to get away. So she does and that’s when she meets her Mom. Years later, her Dad is standing at her door knocking after being in prison for murdering her Mama.
This story was so good, it explored the truth, forgiveness, sadness, courage and so much more. The references to the 80’s and 90’s were not lost on me either, I absolutely ADORED them! Who didn’t grow up watching Beverly Hills 90210 or having slumber parties and watching Weekend at Bernies. Those were the days, the days where a kid could be at home by themselves without parents having to worry.
An all around feel good type of read, I cannot wait to read more by Savannah, she is truly an awesome person! Her children’s books are wonderful as well, if this is on your to be read list, I highly recommend you read it this weekend!! The overall theme of love and forgiveness, though hard at times, is a remarkable thing and for that this book gets 5 stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Also, I could totally see this becoming a series Savannah! Maybe see how Dixie Lynn grows up? Or maybe Molly’s point of view? wink wink!
July 15, 2020
What a beautiful story. A little girl on a quest to figure out her life and what she finds is totally unexpected. It will get you in all your feels
June 25, 2020
What a beautiful coming of age to the present day story. My heart was full reading it. What a brave child Sandy was and shaped into a wonderful young woman. I loved the adults In this story for taking the time they did to let her work through her mom. And for dog lovers like me; there’s a dog! Definitely a wonderful feel good story!
I’m still thinking about these characters the next day! I would love more of them in the future. I can even picture a movie!
I’m still thinking about these characters the next day! I would love more of them in the future. I can even picture a movie!
September 30, 2020
This book was amazing! The characters the storyline flowed so well, I definitely had a hard time putting this book down.
July 9, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. I definitely enjoyed reading this book. It is the coming of age story of Sandy, who raised with her grandparents after the death of her mother (and imprisonment of her father), runs away from home at the age of 11 to the bus station. This book follows Sandy the summer she ran away and shows how all of her experiences that summer shaped who she grew up to be. Savannah Hendricks' writing is simple, easy to read and engaging. I struggled to put down this book down while I was reading it. I will admit, the plot of this book is super cliché but I absolutely loved that about it. I don't think I would have ever read this book if I hadn't won it in a giveaway but I am so glad I did.
March 2, 2023
A Complicated Feel-Good Story
Savannah Hendricks captured my heart from page one.
The author weaves complicated ideas and emotions a child often feels when they're confused and feeling alone, with a kind of softness and compassion that I don't often see in a story. With the dual time-line, I was captivated by the honesty and bravery Sandy possesses as a child, with the deep-rooted convictions adult Sandy holds within her due to a childhood she didn't truly understand until the truth comes barreling down, shattering everything she ever believed.
The way Sandy was able to put aside her troubled past, forgive those she never thought she'd be able to, and forge a different pathway to a new and better life that ultimately changes the lives of those around her, made for a feel-good story I didn't want to end.
But what I loved most was the author's skill in portraying Sandy's character in a way that was both realistic and touching. I felt I knew Sandy. This story was written with such a compassionate voice, a heartfelt voice...I don't truly know how to explain it except that as I read, I felt at home with Sandy, at peace knowing she would make all those around her feel at home the same way I did. She's a character anyone would want to know.
Well done, Ms. Hendricks, this was my kind of story, even though at first I thought is was going to be about a dog!
Savannah Hendricks captured my heart from page one.
The author weaves complicated ideas and emotions a child often feels when they're confused and feeling alone, with a kind of softness and compassion that I don't often see in a story. With the dual time-line, I was captivated by the honesty and bravery Sandy possesses as a child, with the deep-rooted convictions adult Sandy holds within her due to a childhood she didn't truly understand until the truth comes barreling down, shattering everything she ever believed.
The way Sandy was able to put aside her troubled past, forgive those she never thought she'd be able to, and forge a different pathway to a new and better life that ultimately changes the lives of those around her, made for a feel-good story I didn't want to end.
But what I loved most was the author's skill in portraying Sandy's character in a way that was both realistic and touching. I felt I knew Sandy. This story was written with such a compassionate voice, a heartfelt voice...I don't truly know how to explain it except that as I read, I felt at home with Sandy, at peace knowing she would make all those around her feel at home the same way I did. She's a character anyone would want to know.
Well done, Ms. Hendricks, this was my kind of story, even though at first I thought is was going to be about a dog!
July 29, 2021
I received an e-copy of "I Adopted My Mom at the Bus Station" from the author, Savannah Hendricks. I am giving my honest review of this book.
I've read several of Savannah's books and like the others, this book did not disappoint me. I will admit the title or cover of the book didn't catch my eye but I'm so happy I read it as it's another 5 star book!
It has a very interesting storyline, very believable and likable characters. It's about loss, love and forgiveness. It's told in a dual timeline from Sandy at an early age when she had lost her birth mother and her father is in prison to her current timeline where her father is released from prison and she finds out what she's believed her entire life about her father might not be true. And of course, thus the title, she adopts a mother at the bus station!
It covers many emotional topics that were swept under the rug during the timeline of the story. It was emotional reading about these things as I was growing up during that timeline and could definitely relate to it.
I'm really hoping for a second book. I need to know more about Sandy's future, her new life. I definitely need to know more about Molly's story. What happened to her?
I highly recommend this book.
I've read several of Savannah's books and like the others, this book did not disappoint me. I will admit the title or cover of the book didn't catch my eye but I'm so happy I read it as it's another 5 star book!
It has a very interesting storyline, very believable and likable characters. It's about loss, love and forgiveness. It's told in a dual timeline from Sandy at an early age when she had lost her birth mother and her father is in prison to her current timeline where her father is released from prison and she finds out what she's believed her entire life about her father might not be true. And of course, thus the title, she adopts a mother at the bus station!
It covers many emotional topics that were swept under the rug during the timeline of the story. It was emotional reading about these things as I was growing up during that timeline and could definitely relate to it.
I'm really hoping for a second book. I need to know more about Sandy's future, her new life. I definitely need to know more about Molly's story. What happened to her?
I highly recommend this book.
July 21, 2020
Thank you to the author for this book.
It was an unusual book for me to read. I'm not much of a sort of young adult reader (okay, so she's 27) but it starts out when she's 11 and runs away from home and adopts a mom at the bus station; hence the title of course. I thought she was a very mature young lady throughout the book.
She takes the trip of her life on a bus w/her "adopted mom" who was her first grade teacher. She remembered her but "her mom" never mentioned it which I thought was really silly but finally did.
She never knew her mom, she died when she was a baby, grew up w/her grandparents while her father was in prison. She never knew the real reason. Her father comes to find her after he gets out of prison and she's not sure if she wants to accept him back into her life. Things really change in her life after this and in other ways too.
It goes back and forth from the past to the present which was easy to follow.
It was an unusual book for me to read. I'm not much of a sort of young adult reader (okay, so she's 27) but it starts out when she's 11 and runs away from home and adopts a mom at the bus station; hence the title of course. I thought she was a very mature young lady throughout the book.
She takes the trip of her life on a bus w/her "adopted mom" who was her first grade teacher. She remembered her but "her mom" never mentioned it which I thought was really silly but finally did.
She never knew her mom, she died when she was a baby, grew up w/her grandparents while her father was in prison. She never knew the real reason. Her father comes to find her after he gets out of prison and she's not sure if she wants to accept him back into her life. Things really change in her life after this and in other ways too.
It goes back and forth from the past to the present which was easy to follow.
September 28, 2020
I really loved the story this book told of a young girl who is mourning her mother, a journey, and many discoveries along the way. It is cleverly written from chapter to chapter telling her story in two-part story lines. This book made me smile sometimes and shed a tear other times. I highly recommend it.
February 16, 2022
This was a fun, easy to read story about a young girl looking for a mother. All she wants is a Mom. Her father is in prison for killing her mother, her grandparents don’t talk much about their deceased daughter, and she doesn’t know what it’s like to have a mother. She finds a woman at the bus station who is also running away. They adopt each other and travel together across part of the US and develop a mother/daughter relationship. The story is about forgiveness of others, courage to face life as it happens, love and family. The title of this book is what drew me to the book, and I’m so glad that happened. This is a book I’d recommend for anyone.
March 21, 2023
I loved the fact that is was with the year 1993 because of references of VCR tapes, the movies, and singers! Book was very well written! I highly recommend this book! I just ordered her new book The Album, can’t wait to get it! Love your books Savannah! 🐾
July 29, 2020
I won this book, and wasn’t sure I would enjoy it. Sandy was likeable and Belinda was a great “adopted” mom. Sandy had many things to work out, and the book handled it well. Good book.
June 26, 2022
4.5 stars I will reread this book because of the story line and how the characters developed.
February 7, 2023
A satisfying read
I loved this book. It was romantic and fun and quirky. I enjoyed all of the different characters and the way they grew together was heart warming.
I loved this book. It was romantic and fun and quirky. I enjoyed all of the different characters and the way they grew together was heart warming.
July 17, 2021
Loved it!
A great book. I didn't know what was going to happen next but Sandy's character is beautifully brought out. She is a fighter.
A great book. I didn't know what was going to happen next but Sandy's character is beautifully brought out. She is a fighter.
July 7, 2020
This is a beautiful coming of age story. The chapters alternate between past and present. Sandy's mother died, and with her father in prison for the death, she's being raised by her grandparents. She runs away, hopping on a bus and tagging along with Belinda, her first grade teacher. The story logs their bus trip to Mobile, finding a job and a place to live, and meeting friends and future family. In the present, Sandy's best friend leaves her baby at the bus station for Sandy to raise. Her father is out of prison, and shows up at her home, asking her to forgive him. The book is heartbreaking at times, heartwarming at others, a terrific story of honesty and forgiveness. With Sandy's past set in the age before digital media, there's a love of photos and photo albums, and they play prominently in both past and present memories. While I disagree with some of the decisions that were made by Sandy's grandparents, they did the best the could with a tough situation, and loved her in their own way. The characters are wonderful - real and flawed, but loving and caring.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2021
As an adoptee I was intrigued by the title and blurb for this. I was quickly drawn into this story, especially being similar age to Sandy for the two timelines, and the short chapters made it easier to read just one more. Slowed down only by the parts that were a little too relatable for me personally. The back and forth of past to present was easy to follow and I liked the references to books and tv from the early 1990s. Overall I really enjoyed this one, so many emotions throughout. I received a kindle copy from the author.
June 17, 2022
The title attracted me and it turned out to be a pleasant read.
February 24, 2021
It was a good story and quick read. I would recommend reading it.
July 3, 2020
Excellent book
I Adopted My Mom at the Bus Station by Savannah Hendricks is so good. Great story with wonderfully written characters. Join Sandy in her search to find a mother.
I Adopted My Mom at the Bus Station by Savannah Hendricks is so good. Great story with wonderfully written characters. Join Sandy in her search to find a mother.
June 29, 2020
Thanks to Goodreads for the opportunity to read and review this book. I loved this story, it was heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time, I love it when a book grabs me from the first page and I can’ t put the book down. I loved all the characters and the interaction between all of them. I would highly recommend this book to someone who wants to read a clean, fast paced , deeply moving book. I am looking forward to other books from this author
September 9, 2020
This is the 2nd book I've read written by Savannah Hendricks; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2021
LOVED “I Adopted My Mom at the Bus Station” by Savannah Hendricks.
The complex relationship Sandy has with her father and her internal dialogue was raw and real. The alternating chapters between childhood and adult life painted a beautiful picture of how we are shaped and our perceptions formed through our childhood experiences. Couldn’t put it down! ❤️
The complex relationship Sandy has with her father and her internal dialogue was raw and real. The alternating chapters between childhood and adult life painted a beautiful picture of how we are shaped and our perceptions formed through our childhood experiences. Couldn’t put it down! ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews