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A Maggie Hartley Foster Carer Story
Battered, Broken, Healed
A new challenge faces foster carer Maggie this time it's not a child that's at risk, it's her mother. Can Maggie help Hailey to escape her abusive husband, and reunite her with her baby daughter? A heartbreaking true story perfect for fans of Cathy Glass, Casey Watson, Angela Hart and Rosie Lewis .
*****
A TRUE STORY BY THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR MAGGIE HARTLEY
When six-week-old Jasmine is placed in her care, foster mother Maggie Hartley is delighted to have a baby in the house again. Maggie's been given temporary custody of Jasmine after social services were concerned that the baby was failing to thrive and develop.
With Maggie's love and care, Jasmine soon flourishes into a healthy, happy baby - but it is clear that all is not quite as it seems with her mum, Hailey. Timid, pale and withdrawn, Hailey looks as though she is carrying the weight of the world onher shoulders. Maggie fears she may be suffering from postnatal depression until late one night she discovers Hailey on her doorstep, her body battered and broken, her spirit crushed.
Hailey admits that her husband has been abusing her for years, but this revelation places Maggie in an awful there's no way Hailey can regain custody of Jasmine until her husband is off the scene. But after years of physical and emotional abuse, can Hailey find the strength to leave him?
An uplifting and ultimately redemptive story by Sunday Times bestselling foster carer Maggie Hartley. Perfect for fans of Cathy Glass, Casey Watson, Angela Hart and Rosie Lewis.
*****
A TRUE STORY BY THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR MAGGIE HARTLEY
When six-week-old Jasmine is placed in her care, foster mother Maggie Hartley is delighted to have a baby in the house again. Maggie's been given temporary custody of Jasmine after social services were concerned that the baby was failing to thrive and develop.
With Maggie's love and care, Jasmine soon flourishes into a healthy, happy baby - but it is clear that all is not quite as it seems with her mum, Hailey. Timid, pale and withdrawn, Hailey looks as though she is carrying the weight of the world onher shoulders. Maggie fears she may be suffering from postnatal depression until late one night she discovers Hailey on her doorstep, her body battered and broken, her spirit crushed.
Hailey admits that her husband has been abusing her for years, but this revelation places Maggie in an awful there's no way Hailey can regain custody of Jasmine until her husband is off the scene. But after years of physical and emotional abuse, can Hailey find the strength to leave him?
An uplifting and ultimately redemptive story by Sunday Times bestselling foster carer Maggie Hartley. Perfect for fans of Cathy Glass, Casey Watson, Angela Hart and Rosie Lewis.
273 pages, Paperback
First published March 22, 2018
313 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 2, 2019
Battered, Broken, Healed is an emotional read. Written by a foster carer, it brings the difficult story of baby Jasmine, an undernourished baby who shows no interest in the world around her, never cries, fails to thrive and doesn't respond to cuddles. Brought to Maggie Hartley with an urgent care order, when the parents arrive at the hearing, it's clear something is very wrong. The father is articulate, well dressed and angry, the mother wears stained, baggy clothes and is nearly as silent as the child. Social services must decide whether this is a safe environment whilst baby Jasmine begins to thrive in Maggie's expert care.
March 21, 2019
This is the first book I have read by Maggie Hartley and I enjoyed it very much. It made me laugh and cry and I went through Maggie's journey with her.
May 26, 2019
Fantastic read and so heartbreaking but rewarding and excellent read. Makes you think when you read it and shows how important foster carers are and how they want the best for the children they take in.
Maggie is a foster carer she already has twin girls staying with her who are going to be adopted and they find the right parents and Maggie has to prepare them for it. The main part is based around jasmine who arrived with Maggie aged 4 months but is so quiet and unlike any other child she's so small for her age not reached any of her milestones yet but Maggie slowly starts to bring jasmine around but Maggie starts to think not is all as it seems with the parents and she soon finds out what is happening and when Hayley jasmines mum turns up on her doorstep in the middle of the night nearly in conscience she soon learns things are worse than she thought. Will Hayley leave her husband and get her daughter back or will she stay with him and loose jasmine.
Brilliant read.
Maggie is a foster carer she already has twin girls staying with her who are going to be adopted and they find the right parents and Maggie has to prepare them for it. The main part is based around jasmine who arrived with Maggie aged 4 months but is so quiet and unlike any other child she's so small for her age not reached any of her milestones yet but Maggie slowly starts to bring jasmine around but Maggie starts to think not is all as it seems with the parents and she soon finds out what is happening and when Hayley jasmines mum turns up on her doorstep in the middle of the night nearly in conscience she soon learns things are worse than she thought. Will Hayley leave her husband and get her daughter back or will she stay with him and loose jasmine.
Brilliant read.
June 18, 2021
Maggie Hartley is not the first foster carer whose memoirs I've read, though I believe this is the first of hers I have completed. It's hard to review these kinds of books due to their nature. I don't feel I can't rate a book highly just because it pulls at the heart strings. What I personally have to consider is why I read these books and did it live up to those specific expectations. Unfortunately for this memoir, the main reason I personally tend to read fostering mentors is to see how the carer managed the difficult issues the child in their care faces. This book however is a lot more to do with the mother of the foster child than the foster child themselves. Therefore, for me is didn't register as much. The prose was standard for the genre, and I did feel I liked Maggie, so I will return to her work. But would I recommend this as a shining example as an example of the genre? Probably not.
June 16, 2018
Another great read.
This is the third book I have read by this author. They have all been very good reads. They are so easy to get into, so easy to read. Don't get me wrong-the subject matter is often very difficult, but they usually have an uplifting conclusion and everything moves forward.
Maggie Hartley writes about her experiences as a foster carer. In this book, her charge is a young baby, removed from the care of her parents. It was intriguing trying to guess what could be wrong; the child's unusual reactions; why hadn't Jasmine been reaching her milestones? What could have gone wrong in the family?
I read it in just a few days and enjoyed it. I will definitely be reading more by this author. 4.5 stars.
This is the third book I have read by this author. They have all been very good reads. They are so easy to get into, so easy to read. Don't get me wrong-the subject matter is often very difficult, but they usually have an uplifting conclusion and everything moves forward.
Maggie Hartley writes about her experiences as a foster carer. In this book, her charge is a young baby, removed from the care of her parents. It was intriguing trying to guess what could be wrong; the child's unusual reactions; why hadn't Jasmine been reaching her milestones? What could have gone wrong in the family?
I read it in just a few days and enjoyed it. I will definitely be reading more by this author. 4.5 stars.
March 25, 2018
Sad/beautiful story
An amazing account of a foster parent and the courage and bravery of a young woman, who had all the odds stacked against her. The courage this young woman had to get through to where she is today is truly amazing. This is a true story, which, is very sad indeed, but its a positive side. Thanks be to all who helped and supported this young woman through the toughest time of her life. Sadly what is written happens behind closed doors way to often in this world and in a lot of cases its never discovered until its to late to change things. My heart felt wishes goes to this young lady for a bright and positive, happy life.
An amazing account of a foster parent and the courage and bravery of a young woman, who had all the odds stacked against her. The courage this young woman had to get through to where she is today is truly amazing. This is a true story, which, is very sad indeed, but its a positive side. Thanks be to all who helped and supported this young woman through the toughest time of her life. Sadly what is written happens behind closed doors way to often in this world and in a lot of cases its never discovered until its to late to change things. My heart felt wishes goes to this young lady for a bright and positive, happy life.
April 30, 2024
Amazing book highly recommended, Maggie is an amazing lady she's an amazing foster carer , as I was reading this book I was so overwhelmed at the cases that she's helped along the way but I will admit it was very heartbreaking hearing them but knowing the children had Maggie looking out for them was very special .. children are very fragile and they need to know that u have there best interests at heart ..
Well done Maggie Hartley for making this book .. I was also very touched by the story of Hailey and jasmine it hit very close to home , so thank you 💟 xx
Well done Maggie Hartley for making this book .. I was also very touched by the story of Hailey and jasmine it hit very close to home , so thank you 💟 xx
August 27, 2025
The hardships faced by this young mother are truly commendable. Fortunately, Maggie stood by the mother and the daughter, offering unwavering support. The world desperately needs more individuals like Maggie. I am astounded by the resilience displayed in the author’s account, particularly in the face of such fear. This book is both inspiring and informative, while serving as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers lurking in the people we encounter. It is essential to remain vigilant and aware of the potential challenges and dangers that may arise.
July 15, 2019
Another amazing insightful book by Maggie Hartley. I feel every emotion Maggie feels when reading her books, and this one really got to me.
I am in awe of the person she is, she is incredible! It made me have happy tears at the end when she helped Hailey through all the bad times and encouraged her to stay strong for her baby Jasmine.
So pleased that they got their happy ending, and Martin was sent to prison for the awful things he did.
I am in awe of the person she is, she is incredible! It made me have happy tears at the end when she helped Hailey through all the bad times and encouraged her to stay strong for her baby Jasmine.
So pleased that they got their happy ending, and Martin was sent to prison for the awful things he did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2019
Fab book
As a foster carer myself , this book really tells it how it is to be on call 24 hrs a day. Sometimes its harder to deal with the parents & grandparents than caring for the children. The mother in the story was beaten regularly by her husband & nearly died. She fought back with the help of her daughters foster carer & when the husband got what was due to him, the mother got her baby daughter back.
As a foster carer myself , this book really tells it how it is to be on call 24 hrs a day. Sometimes its harder to deal with the parents & grandparents than caring for the children. The mother in the story was beaten regularly by her husband & nearly died. She fought back with the help of her daughters foster carer & when the husband got what was due to him, the mother got her baby daughter back.
August 13, 2022
5 out of 5. I love Maggie Hartley’s book. This one reminded me of my days working in a mother and baby assessment unit. It brought tears of sadness and tears of joy. There were moments to cry and moments to laugh. I have always respected foster parents but these books deepen my respect each time I read one. #maggiehartley #batteredbrokenhealed #fostering #fosterparent #fosterparents #nonfiction #nonfictionbooks
March 22, 2018
Just read in one sitting. Book was a amazing read that I couldn't put down. Maggie goes out of her way not just with her foster children but on occasions like this with the foster child's mother.
Hailey was very brave after the violence she had suffered and I hope her and Jasmine have a very happy life together now.
Hailey was very brave after the violence she had suffered and I hope her and Jasmine have a very happy life together now.
May 15, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed the story .... A harrowing experience for Hailey who overcome her earlier life to prove to all what love can do!
Brilliant author who captures the highs and lows of being a foster carer and what a foster child can experiences throughout the foster process.
Well done Maggie Hartley!
Brilliant author who captures the highs and lows of being a foster carer and what a foster child can experiences throughout the foster process.
Well done Maggie Hartley!
April 1, 2018
Well written as always ,
The books make you think about how other ppl live a life full of fear and hatred . Children’s should be loved protected and nurtured from the moment they are born . Sadly that’s not always so
The books make you think about how other ppl live a life full of fear and hatred . Children’s should be loved protected and nurtured from the moment they are born . Sadly that’s not always so
April 5, 2018
Very good
As always Maggie your great. I do wonder did you stay in contact with Hayley? Is the baby still doing well and did she stay away from Martin? I hope so. I am happy you stuck by this Mum and helped her. Good job.
As always Maggie your great. I do wonder did you stay in contact with Hayley? Is the baby still doing well and did she stay away from Martin? I hope so. I am happy you stuck by this Mum and helped her. Good job.
July 3, 2018
Another great book
Having experience of the care team by working closely with you children on respite car this book made for great reading and took me back. Would definitely recommend it
Having experience of the care team by working closely with you children on respite car this book made for great reading and took me back. Would definitely recommend it
April 24, 2021
Good read
Maggie is a wonderful storyteller. She is also a perfect person to e a carer as foster parents are called in England. Her compassion and love toward the children and their parents in need is endless. This story as are all of hers are very with reading and I recommend it
Maggie is a wonderful storyteller. She is also a perfect person to e a carer as foster parents are called in England. Her compassion and love toward the children and their parents in need is endless. This story as are all of hers are very with reading and I recommend it
May 4, 2021
Mum & Bub happy
I love a story with a happy ending and this one had it in spades. I am a foster Carer myself in Australia and I really enjoy reading books about the great work that Maggs does.
I love a story with a happy ending and this one had it in spades. I am a foster Carer myself in Australia and I really enjoy reading books about the great work that Maggs does.
November 6, 2021
loved it
I loved reading this book as it has helped me understand why some children get taken into care. I would recommend this book to everyone and gave the book that rating because it was good to read.
I loved reading this book as it has helped me understand why some children get taken into care. I would recommend this book to everyone and gave the book that rating because it was good to read.
January 13, 2022
This is a really good book, I couldn't put it down. I really think people Need to read these sorts of books and shows how people have to have their children taken off of them and then fight for them back and get rid of their abusive partner. I actually nearly started crying it was that good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2018
Absolutely brilliant.. I read it in one sitting.
April 3, 2018
Well written as all Maggie’s books are. Such a sad story but proof love and persistence with children helps!
April 3, 2018
Maggie Hartley’s books are always a good read. And this book was no different. Excellent, made me smile, cry and to be shocked. Well worth it!
June 18, 2018
Round up to 4.5 stars. This was another achingly sad fostering memoir. I really love the author’s dedication to the children in her care.
July 25, 2018
5*
Another fantastic read. My heart really broke for poor Hailey, but I'm so happy she got her baby back. Well done Maggie, your an absolute angel
Another fantastic read. My heart really broke for poor Hailey, but I'm so happy she got her baby back. Well done Maggie, your an absolute angel
November 25, 2018
This is so full of dialogue it reads like a police witness statement. It's ok but only that. I did want to know what happened to the mother and daughter but only because I knew they were real.
December 19, 2018
Incredibly written. Realistically discusses the subject of domestic abuse and just how complicated it actually is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2018
Another great book by this author.
February 8, 2019
Another fab read.. from start to finish it left you in shock, tears and omg moments.. it’s a great read from start to finish but the out come leaves you smiling
August 17, 2019
Excellent first Maggie Hartley book I’ve read, will definitely be looking to read more
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews