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The Girl with the Suitcase
Why will nobody let little Grace stay? Foster carer Angela is determined to find the answer. Shunned by her mother, 10-year-old Grace has spent most of her childhood in care, moving from one foster home to the next. Each placement breaks down due to her "disruptive" behavior, yet Grace seems such a friendly and well-meaning little girl. Specialist foster carer Angela is determined to help end her heartbreak, but what is the key to saving Grace? The Girl with the Suitcase is the seventh book from well-loved foster carer and author Angela Hart. This is 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 children who have had more difficult upbringings than most.
320 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2020
86 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 9, 2020
The remarkable story of Grace being fostered by Angela and Jonathan. Grace is diagnosed with ADHD and the coping skills Angela has worked on with Grace before diagnosis are, truly brilliant.
This story shows how a good stable caring environment can and does turn things around. Angela and Jonathan with love and patience enabled Grace to grow in confidence, whilst her family undermined her at every turn. When the very person who should nurture and love you doesn't it must be very heart breaking.
This story shows how a good stable caring environment can and does turn things around. Angela and Jonathan with love and patience enabled Grace to grow in confidence, whilst her family undermined her at every turn. When the very person who should nurture and love you doesn't it must be very heart breaking.
June 18, 2020
I'm so addicted to these books! If you like Cathy Glass, you will love Angela Hart!
July 27, 2021
This read follows the lives of a husband and wife who are foster parents and is narrated by the foster mother Angela. It relates to many childhood conditions experienced by natural parents as well as foster/carer parents before ADHD was medically recognised and diagnosed.
The story refers to one young girl who does have a family but due to her mother's inability to take the time to understand her daughter's behaviour and probably due to lack of financial means to seek medical assistance regarding life structures and diet for her daughter puts her into care. This becomes a roller coaster ride for this young girl Grace with placements in other families and multiple children also unable to cope with her.
Grace arrives to yet another foster home with a huge assortment of clothes and belongings that she keeps well contained in her new bedroom for which are never unpacked. Clothes other than that for washing are repacked into her case. This indicates that Grace believes that once again her hyper and erratic behaviour will undoubtedly have her moved on again to another family. However, Angela and Jonathan who have already been recognised by authorities as people with wonderful problem solving skills when it comes to fostering difficult children, are pretty assured that they will not be prepared to give up on Grace.
Angela is to be commended regarding her persistence in looking for answers and finally being able to have medical assistance and confirmation that with her already in place life structures and diet without medication have assisted in giving Grace a calmer existence.
The natural mother and the rest of the family are of no assistance and “gold star award” to Angela and Jonathan for their patience in dealing with her and her other children. Unfortunately as is often the case when a child finishes school and becomes eligible for government support the natural family have a change of heart and with this financial incentive coerce the child home. This is the case within this read with initially disastrous results until finally seeing sense, Grace now a young woman returns to Angela and Jonathan to live with them permanently.
The read will be of particular interest to those within child protection, or foster parents/carers with some insights for natural parents, particularly in relation to children with ADHD.
The story refers to one young girl who does have a family but due to her mother's inability to take the time to understand her daughter's behaviour and probably due to lack of financial means to seek medical assistance regarding life structures and diet for her daughter puts her into care. This becomes a roller coaster ride for this young girl Grace with placements in other families and multiple children also unable to cope with her.
Grace arrives to yet another foster home with a huge assortment of clothes and belongings that she keeps well contained in her new bedroom for which are never unpacked. Clothes other than that for washing are repacked into her case. This indicates that Grace believes that once again her hyper and erratic behaviour will undoubtedly have her moved on again to another family. However, Angela and Jonathan who have already been recognised by authorities as people with wonderful problem solving skills when it comes to fostering difficult children, are pretty assured that they will not be prepared to give up on Grace.
Angela is to be commended regarding her persistence in looking for answers and finally being able to have medical assistance and confirmation that with her already in place life structures and diet without medication have assisted in giving Grace a calmer existence.
The natural mother and the rest of the family are of no assistance and “gold star award” to Angela and Jonathan for their patience in dealing with her and her other children. Unfortunately as is often the case when a child finishes school and becomes eligible for government support the natural family have a change of heart and with this financial incentive coerce the child home. This is the case within this read with initially disastrous results until finally seeing sense, Grace now a young woman returns to Angela and Jonathan to live with them permanently.
The read will be of particular interest to those within child protection, or foster parents/carers with some insights for natural parents, particularly in relation to children with ADHD.
May 6, 2020
A fab read but Angelas books are alot different to cathy glass. Cathy glass tend to talk more about the communications of the social services ect. She tries to bond with the parents wen she can ect. In this book i think angela n her husband kept things to themselves more n i cant help but think maybe things could of been better for grace all them years ago if maybe there was a propper set up for grace to see her family. N maybe for a social worker to of put her mum straight or tried at least. I can see that angela and her husband did right by grace and put her on the straight n narrow n i feel like social services may of just left them to there devices n let things carry on rather than maybe being left out ect. Her family not speaking to her for a good length of time but then all of a sudden grace is then staying with them weeks n weeks later. The phone calls were next to nothing n very poor interest from Grace's mother!. I feel things could of been better for grace. But then i guess in the time of her childhood things were maybe different.
July 17, 2023
what a beautiful ending
I look forward to reading more stories from Angela. God bless! From fellow foster mother to another I admire you for sharing your journey with us readers. You guys inspire me
I look forward to reading more stories from Angela. God bless! From fellow foster mother to another I admire you for sharing your journey with us readers. You guys inspire me
March 11, 2020
Moving story
I’ve read quite a few foster care memoirs; both by Angela Hart (a pseudonym to protect the children she and her husband have cared for) and several other authors. This story is particular really moved me.
Grace is moved to Angela & Jim’s home after multiple other failed placements. She means well, but seems to create chaos despite herself. It was obvious to me that her diagnosis would turn out to be ADHD. As an adult with what is currently described by my MD as ADD I saw a LOT of myself in Gace’s story. A main difference was that I grew up in a loving a supportive— if occasionally exasperated— family. Poor Grace doesn’t have that until she meets Angela & Jim.
Stick with this story! It’s worth it. Grace herself makes some poor choices, but she gets her life together. It’s very encouraging!
I’ve read quite a few foster care memoirs; both by Angela Hart (a pseudonym to protect the children she and her husband have cared for) and several other authors. This story is particular really moved me.
Grace is moved to Angela & Jim’s home after multiple other failed placements. She means well, but seems to create chaos despite herself. It was obvious to me that her diagnosis would turn out to be ADHD. As an adult with what is currently described by my MD as ADD I saw a LOT of myself in Gace’s story. A main difference was that I grew up in a loving a supportive— if occasionally exasperated— family. Poor Grace doesn’t have that until she meets Angela & Jim.
Stick with this story! It’s worth it. Grace herself makes some poor choices, but she gets her life together. It’s very encouraging!
November 22, 2025
This was a truly moving story and seeing the way ADHD was viewed in the early nineties was very interesting.
The structure of the book sometimes felt a bit slow and maybe if the other children in care were included it would have helped the story feel more fulfilled.
I do feel that in some instances open communication with Grace could have been encouraged more as it felt that a lot was left unsaid in her younger years. Maybe Grace would have benefited from a few more sessions with the psychologist when she was a child.
All and all a lovely read.
The structure of the book sometimes felt a bit slow and maybe if the other children in care were included it would have helped the story feel more fulfilled.
I do feel that in some instances open communication with Grace could have been encouraged more as it felt that a lot was left unsaid in her younger years. Maybe Grace would have benefited from a few more sessions with the psychologist when she was a child.
All and all a lovely read.
October 25, 2023
Loved this book. It gave an insight into what fostering may be like and the challenges faced by both the carers and the person being fostered.
The couple in this book were a lifeline for the child Angela and their ability to love and care for her unconditionally was really special. They were able to keep their emotions and opinions to themselves whilst I was shouting Angela don’t move back, don’t do it.
The couple in this book were a lifeline for the child Angela and their ability to love and care for her unconditionally was really special. They were able to keep their emotions and opinions to themselves whilst I was shouting Angela don’t move back, don’t do it.
February 29, 2020
A very interesting read
This story shows how a good stable caring environment can and does turn things around. Angela and Jonathon with love and patience enabled Grace to grow in confidence, whilst her family undermined her at every turn. When the very person who should nurture and love you doesn't it must be very confusing.
This story shows how a good stable caring environment can and does turn things around. Angela and Jonathon with love and patience enabled Grace to grow in confidence, whilst her family undermined her at every turn. When the very person who should nurture and love you doesn't it must be very confusing.
April 23, 2020
Heartbreaking
A truly heartbreaking story about grace, a young girl with a big heart, put in the car system by her mother. ( If that's what she is meant to be called).
I would rather call her a very nasty horrible woman. I've bought up a son with ADHD, it's very hard work.
Brilliant book, a must read.
A truly heartbreaking story about grace, a young girl with a big heart, put in the car system by her mother. ( If that's what she is meant to be called).
I would rather call her a very nasty horrible woman. I've bought up a son with ADHD, it's very hard work.
Brilliant book, a must read.
May 2, 2022
I absolutely loved this story what a rocky well worth it road for a lovely girl and everytime I read one of Angela’s story’s it makes me want to become a foster carer even more she’s a star! Jonathon is so supportive of her and they never lie and make it look like fostering is so easy! Brilliant Grace is so strong!
March 20, 2020
Thought provoking
I picked this book because I have a little experience with the topic of the book. I have had an emotional journey reading it but I am glad that I did read it.Well written and as I said emotional.
I picked this book because I have a little experience with the topic of the book. I have had an emotional journey reading it but I am glad that I did read it.Well written and as I said emotional.
April 6, 2020
Grace
Grace was taken in by foster carer Angela after being moved around in her young life Angela was determined to help Grace every way she could but Grace would not unpack her suitcase .
Grace was taken in by foster carer Angela after being moved around in her young life Angela was determined to help Grace every way she could but Grace would not unpack her suitcase .
April 26, 2020
Good read
Another good read from This author. She and her husband show a real love love and dedication to their foster children, each one has their own baggage and is treated as a individual. Even in the books where other children are obviously in the household.
Another good read from This author. She and her husband show a real love love and dedication to their foster children, each one has their own baggage and is treated as a individual. Even in the books where other children are obviously in the household.
April 29, 2020
Amazing insight to foster caring and I felt so sorry for Grace with all her problems especially her Mother who just put her down all the time. Her sister came through in the end and I think they both realised the selfishness of their Mother.
December 26, 2020
It felt like there was a lot of unnecessary filler sections. I did not like the section where Angela alluded to how Grace’s ADHD (undiagnosed at the time) could be manifested by “E” foods/words because she read some psydosociece article
February 9, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. There are definitely some heart wrenching moments but it is lovely to read the story about how Grace's life was changed due to her Foster carers continuous love and support.
March 5, 2020
Excellent as always.
March 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this one and that we get answers to all our questions.
April 13, 2020
For grownup children
I love to read foster-Stories like this because they help me to calm the abused child in my grownup body.
I love to read foster-Stories like this because they help me to calm the abused child in my grownup body.
May 30, 2020
Absolutely loved this book
An amazing insight to adhd back in the 90s when it was hardly heard of
An amazing insight to adhd back in the 90s when it was hardly heard of
June 8, 2020
This is one of Angela's best books. I found the story to be so heartwarming. The impact Angela and Jonathan had on Grace was remarkable. I would definitely recommend this inspirational story.
June 27, 2020
Another fantastic read by Maggie Hart , found hard to put down . Can't wait til her next book comes out
July 23, 2020
Good book
August 24, 2020
Foster care and one girls struggles with her real family and her foster family
September 8, 2020
Brilliant
This book was brilliant .if you come from a good home it's hard to understand how other live with so many problems this book make you think how luck you are.
This book was brilliant .if you come from a good home it's hard to understand how other live with so many problems this book make you think how luck you are.
September 17, 2020
A very good read
April 25, 2021
Good book
March 5, 2022
It’s funny, after like 5 pages of Grace being at their home I was screaming “ADHD!!!!!!“
March 21, 2022
Angela and her family did little Gracie proud. A well told story that turned out okay in the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews