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Broken: The foster carers with so much to give, they didn't realise they had everything to lose...
The true story that demands to be told.
The Richardsons are your average family of four who have endured more than your average share of heartache. After years of struggling with infertility, Amelie and Rob finally have their sons Freddie and Harry. Yet their journey leaves them with a desire to foster. When they welcome neglected toddler Charlie into their lives they feel as though the pieces have all finally come together.
But their happiness is short-lived. One night, Charlie appears unwell but the Richardsons struggle to identify what is wrong. By morning they head to A&E only to be told that Charlie has a serious leg fracture. With no explanation for the injury the Richardsons are accused of abuse. Charlie is taken from them and their own sons are placed in care.
Arrested for GBH and released under harsh bail conditions that leave them homeless and cut off from their boys, the couple must find the strength to fight both the child protection and legal justice systems to clear their names and reunite their family.
Can they uncover the truth behind Charlie’s fracture before it’s too late?
The Richardsons are your average family of four who have endured more than your average share of heartache. After years of struggling with infertility, Amelie and Rob finally have their sons Freddie and Harry. Yet their journey leaves them with a desire to foster. When they welcome neglected toddler Charlie into their lives they feel as though the pieces have all finally come together.
But their happiness is short-lived. One night, Charlie appears unwell but the Richardsons struggle to identify what is wrong. By morning they head to A&E only to be told that Charlie has a serious leg fracture. With no explanation for the injury the Richardsons are accused of abuse. Charlie is taken from them and their own sons are placed in care.
Arrested for GBH and released under harsh bail conditions that leave them homeless and cut off from their boys, the couple must find the strength to fight both the child protection and legal justice systems to clear their names and reunite their family.
Can they uncover the truth behind Charlie’s fracture before it’s too late?
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2025
34 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 25, 2025
I know this book has been getting a lot of attention lately on our Facebook group @ fostering, memoirs and fiction book club and that’s the beauty of this group. Once someone shares a book that we might not have discovered ourselves, it suddenly comes into the light, it gets spoken about, and it earns its place in the spotlight.
For those who feel it’s everywhere right now, let me give you a quick snapshot of why it deserves that attention. This is the kind of book that I’ll need weeks, maybe even a month to recover from.
The book is heavy, yes, but it’s also vital. These stories are so crucial to be told, and Amelie Richardson writes about the most destructive time of her life, and those around her, with such raw honesty and unexpected beauty. That balance and the weight of truth carried in such graceful prose is not lost on me.
I can only send her and her family my warmest wishes, with hope for the beauty and peace she so deeply deserves and of course this extends to Charlie also (“my Charlie” 💛)
For those who feel it’s everywhere right now, let me give you a quick snapshot of why it deserves that attention. This is the kind of book that I’ll need weeks, maybe even a month to recover from.
The book is heavy, yes, but it’s also vital. These stories are so crucial to be told, and Amelie Richardson writes about the most destructive time of her life, and those around her, with such raw honesty and unexpected beauty. That balance and the weight of truth carried in such graceful prose is not lost on me.
I can only send her and her family my warmest wishes, with hope for the beauty and peace she so deeply deserves and of course this extends to Charlie also (“my Charlie” 💛)
December 19, 2025
wow
I have read many books on the life of foster carers this one has to be the most harrowing story I’ve read. My heart goes out to the family.
I have read many books on the life of foster carers this one has to be the most harrowing story I’ve read. My heart goes out to the family.
December 24, 2025
A well written account of the heartbreaking experiences of this foster family. Short chapters covering each element, without legal jargon so understandable.
Would absolutely recommend.
Would absolutely recommend.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews