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A Maggie Hartley Foster Carer Story
A Family For Christmas
When foster carer Maggie Hartley meets Sean and Sheila, they're facing every parent's worst nightmare. A split-second decision to leave toddler Edward alone for a few short minutes results in a tragic accident, and Edward is left fighting for his life. He survives, but is tragically left severely brain damaged.Wracked with guilt, destroyed by blame and struggling to accept that their perfect toddler has gone, Sean and Sheila go to pieces. Maggie steps in to foster Edward while his parents battle with the unspoken fear that he may have to be adopted permanently if they cannot cope with their son's needs. Will Maggie be able to help this family grieve for the son they've lost and learn to love the little boy he is now? And will Edward have a family to go home to at Christmas?A true story of hope from Sunday Times bestselling author Maggie Hartley, a foster carer for over 20 years.'A lovely, heartwarming story' 5* Amazon reader review
72 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2016
258 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 27, 2021
This is a poignantly sweet story with an ending that is perfect for Christmas.
November 11, 2017
Maggie seems like a wonderful person and a loving foster care mom. This story describes a tragic accident , but Maggie steps in to help a family. The ending of the book was great, I was so happy that the biological was able to heal and was able to finally take her baby boy home.
October 22, 2017
Tragic story with a happy ending.. With so much bad happening these days it's wonderful to read a heartwarming story and to know there are such terrific people in the world like the author.
September 29, 2022
An absolutely heartbreaking but beautiful read that I read in 2 hours. The book, which is very short (only 82 pages - but the story isn’t lacking in detail; I think this length was actually a good length for this particular story) tells the story of a young boy called Edward whose mother makes a split second decision that leads to his life being changed, forever. Overwhelmed with guilt and feeling as though it’s entirely her fault that her son is now brain damaged, Sheila feels as though she can’t cope, and when Maggie enters their lives, she refuses to even touch him, let alone hug him or meet his needs.
This story broke my heart but it ends very happily and I couldn’t stop smiling as I read the last 10-15 pages. The ending was such a happy one and very deserved - especially after everything that that family went through.
The one and only reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars is a small inconsistency I noticed at the very start of the book. Within the first few pages, Maggie says that it’s now only her, Louisa and Lily living at home because a few weeks previously her latest foster child, Ruth, had gone to live with her birth mother. It’s very obviously Ruth from “The Little Ghost Girl” from the details that Maggie gives us (I won’t give anything away) but Maggie writes that she was nine years old when there is a literal scene in The Little Ghost Girl where Maggie feels that it’s inappropriate for Ruth to have a magician at her birthday party because she’s turning twelve? I noticed as well in Too Scared to Cry that Ruth was described as having just gone to live with her birth mother, but in Too Scared to Cry, Louisa and Lily weren’t there? They hadn’t even come into Maggie’s life yet? I know that Maggie (obviously) changes names, ages and places when she writes her books to protect the privacy of the children she writes about, but these inconsistencies annoyed me slightly.
Apart from that though I found this to be an easy and terribly sad read about what can happen in the blink of an eye. 4/5 stars, would recommend <3
This story broke my heart but it ends very happily and I couldn’t stop smiling as I read the last 10-15 pages. The ending was such a happy one and very deserved - especially after everything that that family went through.
The one and only reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars is a small inconsistency I noticed at the very start of the book. Within the first few pages, Maggie says that it’s now only her, Louisa and Lily living at home because a few weeks previously her latest foster child, Ruth, had gone to live with her birth mother. It’s very obviously Ruth from “The Little Ghost Girl” from the details that Maggie gives us (I won’t give anything away) but Maggie writes that she was nine years old when there is a literal scene in The Little Ghost Girl where Maggie feels that it’s inappropriate for Ruth to have a magician at her birthday party because she’s turning twelve? I noticed as well in Too Scared to Cry that Ruth was described as having just gone to live with her birth mother, but in Too Scared to Cry, Louisa and Lily weren’t there? They hadn’t even come into Maggie’s life yet? I know that Maggie (obviously) changes names, ages and places when she writes her books to protect the privacy of the children she writes about, but these inconsistencies annoyed me slightly.
Apart from that though I found this to be an easy and terribly sad read about what can happen in the blink of an eye. 4/5 stars, would recommend <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2021
This is only a short story but it is really well written, and for once it has a happy ending, with the family being reunited.
Basically this three year old boy fell in a pool and almost drowned because he was left unattended for a minute, and the incident left him severely brain damaged. The boy's mother felt severe guilt after the incident, and struggled to be around him because of this, because everytime she saw him she saw the things he could no longer do and the things he would now probably never do, and she blamed herself.
Luckily Maggie was able to get through to her and the boy would eventually go back home to his parents. I loved this story because of how different it is to her usual story with abused children; this was just a story about a tragic accident, and the aftermath of the accident, including the guilt, and learning to move on and stop blaming yourself because you cannot change the past
Basically this three year old boy fell in a pool and almost drowned because he was left unattended for a minute, and the incident left him severely brain damaged. The boy's mother felt severe guilt after the incident, and struggled to be around him because of this, because everytime she saw him she saw the things he could no longer do and the things he would now probably never do, and she blamed herself.
Luckily Maggie was able to get through to her and the boy would eventually go back home to his parents. I loved this story because of how different it is to her usual story with abused children; this was just a story about a tragic accident, and the aftermath of the accident, including the guilt, and learning to move on and stop blaming yourself because you cannot change the past
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2022
A beautiful short story from an incredible author and human being. Such a lovely story and great disability representation and language. Watching the family rebuild themselves, their lives and their relationship with their son was a nice journey. So much of this story made me cry happy tears, like bond between the two twin brothers, especially when they had a little cuddle on the duvet, and each of Edward milestones like learning to feed himself hoops, rolling over to be closer to his brother, his little laughs and giggles, recognising his mummy, grabbing things, and eventually learning how to move independently and growing stronger each day. Reminds me of Eli from the McLeod family on Instagram
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2017
Horror Becomes Triumph
Maggie Hartley is a talented foster carer, mother, empath and writer. She tells the story completely unbiased and really helps one understand each child she takes in. She is clever at finding the emotional nooks and crannies that need filling and gifted at devising a way to help the children and parents.
I am a former foster child and hope one day to be a foster parent myself, especially as America has a deep need for carers who do it for the right reasons. Maggie Hartley is a great inspiration and teacher. She has become a personal heroine of mine. I think one would be hard pressed not to like Maggie or to enjoy her well written books.
Maggie Hartley is a talented foster carer, mother, empath and writer. She tells the story completely unbiased and really helps one understand each child she takes in. She is clever at finding the emotional nooks and crannies that need filling and gifted at devising a way to help the children and parents.
I am a former foster child and hope one day to be a foster parent myself, especially as America has a deep need for carers who do it for the right reasons. Maggie Hartley is a great inspiration and teacher. She has become a personal heroine of mine. I think one would be hard pressed not to like Maggie or to enjoy her well written books.
February 8, 2018
I always enjoy Maggie Hartley's books about her numerous foster kids. This one was no exception. A toddler suffers a tragic accident, and his parents cannot cope with the physical and mental limitations he is left with, especially since his twin was not injured. When they refuse to take him home, Maggie steps in. Will her loving care help this little boy get better so that his parents can accept him back in their lives?
January 20, 2019
Lovely read
My only disappointment is how short it is. I love her books. Very well written. I need more! Here we have a situation where it's not abuse that brings the baby to her loving home. With a little help and guidance she helps to heal a family and a heart before Christmas! What else could I say. You are a hero in their lives and continue to be inspiring to me and many others. I hope you can reply back to my question on Facebook, thanks.
My only disappointment is how short it is. I love her books. Very well written. I need more! Here we have a situation where it's not abuse that brings the baby to her loving home. With a little help and guidance she helps to heal a family and a heart before Christmas! What else could I say. You are a hero in their lives and continue to be inspiring to me and many others. I hope you can reply back to my question on Facebook, thanks.
August 26, 2024
A family for Christmas
Maybe because I read it on kindle I miss the paperback lure and this took away from the enjoyment of the usual experience I feel with Maggie.
I adore her and she is very much loved by me in the fostering memoirs prints but this book just didn’t give me the same energy and desire to read like others.
I am of course happy with the outcome for the family but perhaps being a short story I felt it was too rushed on this occasion and not for me.
Maybe because I read it on kindle I miss the paperback lure and this took away from the enjoyment of the usual experience I feel with Maggie.
I adore her and she is very much loved by me in the fostering memoirs prints but this book just didn’t give me the same energy and desire to read like others.
I am of course happy with the outcome for the family but perhaps being a short story I felt it was too rushed on this occasion and not for me.
August 20, 2017
Sweet
Edward is amazing, I am so happy he has beat the odds with love and help. I know without your support in this family he may not be where he is now. I wish I knew you personally Mags cause I truly love you for all you have done in this world.
Edward is amazing, I am so happy he has beat the odds with love and help. I know without your support in this family he may not be where he is now. I wish I knew you personally Mags cause I truly love you for all you have done in this world.
April 19, 2018
What a remarkable woman is Maggie!
Maggie puts her heart and soul into every child she helps. It can be mentally and physically exhausting times, but Maggie won't give up. God bless you in your endeavors. I am an RN and I can attest to working with people who need specialized help, as well as their families. You take the people with you, always in your heart.
Maggie puts her heart and soul into every child she helps. It can be mentally and physically exhausting times, but Maggie won't give up. God bless you in your endeavors. I am an RN and I can attest to working with people who need specialized help, as well as their families. You take the people with you, always in your heart.
January 18, 2019
Tender!
What a heartwarming story. It just goes to show how well children can adapt to their environment, as well as, how well adults can learn from them to move on with life and make the best of it. As terrible as it must have been for Sheila to go through the team's and learn to live with the outcome how wonderful she was able to do it.
What a heartwarming story. It just goes to show how well children can adapt to their environment, as well as, how well adults can learn from them to move on with life and make the best of it. As terrible as it must have been for Sheila to go through the team's and learn to live with the outcome how wonderful she was able to do it.
June 11, 2019
Fantastic book
Fantastic book it's made me cry and lol well tell everyone to read this book it's everyone night mere if a child gets hurt but u would all ways blame yourself for the rest of your life will be reading more book by Maggie Hartley soon she writes good book bless her .
Fantastic book it's made me cry and lol well tell everyone to read this book it's everyone night mere if a child gets hurt but u would all ways blame yourself for the rest of your life will be reading more book by Maggie Hartley soon she writes good book bless her .
October 28, 2017
I loved this book! It was full of emotion. I was happy, sad, and even held back tears. I defiantly recommend this book. I read it in one sitting. Couldn't put it down.
Great book. I wrote my review up above, in the wrong place. I read it in one sitting a. Lot of emotion!
Great book. I wrote my review up above, in the wrong place. I read it in one sitting a. Lot of emotion!
June 8, 2018
Love and patience triumph.
Excellent read. Child Carers, foster parents in America, perform a vital part in nurturing children of trauma while supporting the parents where appropriate.
Excellent read. Child Carers, foster parents in America, perform a vital part in nurturing children of trauma while supporting the parents where appropriate.
November 19, 2018
A heartwarming short story to start the Christmas season. Maggie gives a gift of hope to a heartbroken family that sends a powerful message to others who have children with a disability. A full range of emotion built into quick read.
December 28, 2018
Great easy book lovely story love the writer
Easy read lovely story love the writer great one read her books before but I don't think I have read any of the short reads as good as this one was
Easy read lovely story love the writer great one read her books before but I don't think I have read any of the short reads as good as this one was
February 29, 2020
Maggie is the most loving and supportive lady - she can literally help anyone through any situation.
I am so happy Sheila managed to overcome her guilt and learnt to love and appreciate her little boy Edward!
I am so happy Sheila managed to overcome her guilt and learnt to love and appreciate her little boy Edward!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2020
Great read
Brilliant book that I could not put down , so touching and heartfelt that I had to read to the end I would recommend this book , to such a tragedy to a happy ending, Maggie is such a great author that I will be reading more of her books.
Brilliant book that I could not put down , so touching and heartfelt that I had to read to the end I would recommend this book , to such a tragedy to a happy ending, Maggie is such a great author that I will be reading more of her books.
February 17, 2017
Heart strings
Had to read in one sitting a beautifully written book of love hope and courage
Can't wait to read more from maggie
Had to read in one sitting a beautifully written book of love hope and courage
Can't wait to read more from maggie
June 12, 2017
Another fantastic read couldn't put it down.
October 18, 2017
Another fanastic read from Maggie Hartley . would recommend all her books
October 24, 2017
Good read so down to earth covering a vast aray of
Emotions I would highly recommend this book as it also show's the positive point's of a child being reunited with it's parent's
Emotions I would highly recommend this book as it also show's the positive point's of a child being reunited with it's parent's
November 4, 2017
Feel good read
Lovely story about the very best way for foster care to work and for a baby to heal. Finished it feeling hope.
Lovely story about the very best way for foster care to work and for a baby to heal. Finished it feeling hope.
December 29, 2017
Another great story
Great heartwarming story
Love reading Maggie's accounts. Special lady for sure. Look forward to reading more of her writings. Jjj
Great heartwarming story
Love reading Maggie's accounts. Special lady for sure. Look forward to reading more of her writings. Jjj
January 29, 2018
Great book
Sad sorry but easy read. Feel sorry that this family had to go through something this tragic. Glad everything worked out for everyone
Sad sorry but easy read. Feel sorry that this family had to go through something this tragic. Glad everything worked out for everyone
May 17, 2018
This story had a lot of sad parts but it was really a good read. It showed the true human nature and how nurturing a person can be when faced with a difficult situation.
August 4, 2018
Edward
What a great book very heartbreaking but then the love shines through for a special family thanks to Maggie 5 STARS .
What a great book very heartbreaking but then the love shines through for a special family thanks to Maggie 5 STARS .
November 23, 2018
Great inspiration!
The book was easy to read and made me feel warm. Thank God for foster care. Every single child deserves to be truly loved and cared for.
The book was easy to read and made me feel warm. Thank God for foster care. Every single child deserves to be truly loved and cared for.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews