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Mummy, Please Don’t Leave
A heartbreaking true story of a broken family and the foster carer who wants to keep them together…
The Watsons are no strangers to sibling placements but when Casey takes the call from her supervising social worker one frosty January morning, she can instantly tell from the tone of her colleague’s voice that there’s a complicated case ahead.
And she’s right. A four-day-old baby boy called Tommy – born in prison – plus his four-year-old half-brother, the lively Seth. A month later, the very moment she gets out of prison, the boys’ mother – a 19-year-old called Jenna – also follows.
For Casey, it would it be a difficult scenario on several levels. Caring for a new born in her fifties with a pre-schooler who has spent most of his young life without boundaries tearing around her ankles, while also looking out for his drug-addicted mum who is ill-equipped to parent.
It’s an unusual situation but one that has arisen in a bid to keep the family together. Can Casey find the energy and strength needed to rise to the challenge? Casey believes she can but when baby Tommy and Seth arrive, she falters. Seth is not so much a pocket rocket as a seek and destroy missile with a whole other agenda…
The Watsons are no strangers to sibling placements but when Casey takes the call from her supervising social worker one frosty January morning, she can instantly tell from the tone of her colleague’s voice that there’s a complicated case ahead.
And she’s right. A four-day-old baby boy called Tommy – born in prison – plus his four-year-old half-brother, the lively Seth. A month later, the very moment she gets out of prison, the boys’ mother – a 19-year-old called Jenna – also follows.
For Casey, it would it be a difficult scenario on several levels. Caring for a new born in her fifties with a pre-schooler who has spent most of his young life without boundaries tearing around her ankles, while also looking out for his drug-addicted mum who is ill-equipped to parent.
It’s an unusual situation but one that has arisen in a bid to keep the family together. Can Casey find the energy and strength needed to rise to the challenge? Casey believes she can but when baby Tommy and Seth arrive, she falters. Seth is not so much a pocket rocket as a seek and destroy missile with a whole other agenda…
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2021
226 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 30, 2021
I’ve been reading Casey Watson books for years. Way before I joined Goodreads. I’ve read the majority of her books although I’ve not written reviews as I wasn’t aware of reviews “back in the day” and years ago bringing up my kids and running a home plus working part time. But I have read them! Honest!
Casey is returning to foster after a few months break. She’s older, many years older since she first started fostering.
Special high facility cases are what I see her excel in.
It’s a complex dysfunctional family that needs joining together again.
The 4 year old she takes in has very “colourful” language. Bossy too.
It’s an emotive story that you can’t help but get involved with.
Her partners exasperation was evident at times in extreme situations and I agreed with him.
It’s horrible to think some children have lives like this. Foster parents are a godsend.
Casey is returning to foster after a few months break. She’s older, many years older since she first started fostering.
Special high facility cases are what I see her excel in.
It’s a complex dysfunctional family that needs joining together again.
The 4 year old she takes in has very “colourful” language. Bossy too.
It’s an emotive story that you can’t help but get involved with.
Her partners exasperation was evident at times in extreme situations and I agreed with him.
It’s horrible to think some children have lives like this. Foster parents are a godsend.
May 2, 2021
At the beginning of the book, Casey is feeling a bit lonely as her and Mike have had a break from fostering for a few months. She persuades her family that she and they are up to fostering again. When talking to her social worker, she encourages her to tell Casey more about this difficult to place family and the circumstances around them. Jenna (teenage mum) and her 2 boys, baby Tommy and 4 year old Seth. Casey will fight there corner to keep this family together which isn't easy.
April 24, 2021
Excellent as always.
May 14, 2021
I don't think that Casey Watson will ever write a fostering memoir that I will rate lower than 5 stars. She writes with such emotion and honesty, even admitting her own faults, that it is impossible not to get caught up in the story being told. If you have read any of Casey's books previously, or any other fostering memoir, then you know how these books work. It's a tried and tested formula so there's not much to say other than it was fantastic as usual.
This book did feel a little different than usual as it was a different type of fostering placement, it was a Mother and Baby placement. Jenna, the teenage mother has just been released from prison and she goes to stay with Casey and family, along with her 4 year old and newborn baby. Jenna is not the most likeable of people initially so it's hard to feel sympathy towards her situation and to understand why Casey is so determined to give her a chance.
This was one of those situations where you don't quite know which side to root for in the battle.
I loved this book as expected and can't wait to read more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This book did feel a little different than usual as it was a different type of fostering placement, it was a Mother and Baby placement. Jenna, the teenage mother has just been released from prison and she goes to stay with Casey and family, along with her 4 year old and newborn baby. Jenna is not the most likeable of people initially so it's hard to feel sympathy towards her situation and to understand why Casey is so determined to give her a chance.
This was one of those situations where you don't quite know which side to root for in the battle.
I loved this book as expected and can't wait to read more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
March 24, 2022
My only complaint is the use of “lol” in this one. Were they actually saying “luhl/lohl” out loud??
Otherwise, I’m so happy for Jenna, Casey is a saint.
Otherwise, I’m so happy for Jenna, Casey is a saint.
May 6, 2021
Excellent.
The Watson's have had a bit of a break in fostering, and Casey is ready to start again. This is the usual, very good, easy read from Casey Watson. I was straight into it, and enjoyed it all the way through. I read it in just a couple of days.
Casey seems down-to-earth, fun, there are some good word choices, which show her voice and personality. Ha! Some of her phrases and sayings! The occasional one of these help balance the often difficult circumstances.
Unpredictable, and certainly a page turner. Casey Watson right on form.
The Watson's have had a bit of a break in fostering, and Casey is ready to start again. This is the usual, very good, easy read from Casey Watson. I was straight into it, and enjoyed it all the way through. I read it in just a couple of days.
Casey seems down-to-earth, fun, there are some good word choices, which show her voice and personality. Ha! Some of her phrases and sayings! The occasional one of these help balance the often difficult circumstances.
Unpredictable, and certainly a page turner. Casey Watson right on form.
April 18, 2021
Again another fantastic read from this author. I love how Casey regularly goes beyond what is required in order to help the children in her care. Her willingness to also help the mother to even though that was not stricktly her job apart from monitoring her. The watsons are very caring and always try and do what is best for the children in her care.
June 4, 2021
You can't go wrong with a Casey Watson book. The emotion that she evokes in the reader from experiencing the lives of those children in care and the foster parents who go through hell with them is always something not to be missed.
In this book we concentrate on a whole family being fostered ready to be integrated back into society to stand on their own two feet, and I laughed, cried, swore and read late into the night to understand Jenna, Seth and Tommy. I was horrified at some of the things I read, but know that Casey's stories are always an accurate portrayal of life and I applaud her for her work as a foster parent and author.
In this book we concentrate on a whole family being fostered ready to be integrated back into society to stand on their own two feet, and I laughed, cried, swore and read late into the night to understand Jenna, Seth and Tommy. I was horrified at some of the things I read, but know that Casey's stories are always an accurate portrayal of life and I applaud her for her work as a foster parent and author.
August 15, 2021
Very good book. And is truly a sad but true story on some kids life's that live in the system!! Defintely getting others by her. Must read!!
October 31, 2021
As is always the case with Casey's writing. She takes you on a journey of highs, lows, heartbreak, heartache, shocks, hopes, fears, tears and expectations.
The first few pages were really shocking and hooked me in quickly. I really couldn't believe what I was reading!
The behaviour of 4 yr old Seth, made it easy to make assumptions about the way in which he had been brought up. But you quickly realise that this is based on societal rules, perceptions and prejudices that are rolled out. Often by people who've never had nay experience whatsoever of the things they make their judgements and expectations on.
Casey writes so naturally and with excellent insight based on her extensive experience as a foster carer. She isn't afraid to show the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Which makes her so relatable. With each turn of the page, I was eager to find out if Jenna, Seth and Tommy got their happy ever after. As the story unfolded, I found myself really rooting for them.
Casey manages to take everything you think you know about the care system and the people within it, and turn those perceptions completely on their head!
A definite 'must read@ for memoir lovers and anyone interested in Sociology, Social Services and Social Care.
A really gritty but inspiring story of love, hope, courage, bravery and above all the ability to be resilient and triumphant in the face of real adversity.
I loved it!!.
The first few pages were really shocking and hooked me in quickly. I really couldn't believe what I was reading!
The behaviour of 4 yr old Seth, made it easy to make assumptions about the way in which he had been brought up. But you quickly realise that this is based on societal rules, perceptions and prejudices that are rolled out. Often by people who've never had nay experience whatsoever of the things they make their judgements and expectations on.
Casey writes so naturally and with excellent insight based on her extensive experience as a foster carer. She isn't afraid to show the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Which makes her so relatable. With each turn of the page, I was eager to find out if Jenna, Seth and Tommy got their happy ever after. As the story unfolded, I found myself really rooting for them.
Casey manages to take everything you think you know about the care system and the people within it, and turn those perceptions completely on their head!
A definite 'must read@ for memoir lovers and anyone interested in Sociology, Social Services and Social Care.
A really gritty but inspiring story of love, hope, courage, bravery and above all the ability to be resilient and triumphant in the face of real adversity.
I loved it!!.
July 8, 2021
As always, Casey doesn't disappoint with her fostering memoirs and Mummy, Please Don't Leave is not an exception. I read it in one session, through the night!! Here she is telling us of her time with Jenna (teenage mum) and her 2 boys, baby Tommy and 4 year old Seth. At the beginning of the book, Casey is feeling a bit lonely as her and Mike have had a break from fostering for a few months. She persuades her family that she and they are up to fostering again. When talking to her social worker, she encourages her to tell Casey more about this difficult to place family and the circumstances around them .......
Foster carers should be spotlighted more - they work incredibly hard with children and young people who are having a challenging time and make a difference to each and every child they help.
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Foster carers should be spotlighted more - they work incredibly hard with children and young people who are having a challenging time and make a difference to each and every child they help.
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April 15, 2021
As always, Casey doesn't disappoint with her fostering memoirs and Mummy, Please Don't Leave is not an exception. Here she is telling us of her time with Jenna (teenage mum) and her 2 boys, baby Tommy and 4 year old Seth. At the beginning of the book, Casey is feeling a bit lonely as her and Mike have had a break from fostering for a few months. She persuades her family that she and they are up to fostering again. When talking to her social worker, she encourages her to tell Casey more about this difficult to place family and the circumstances around them .......
Foster carers should be spotlighted more - they work incredibly hard with children and young people who are having a challenging time and make a difference to each and every child they help.
Foster carers should be spotlighted more - they work incredibly hard with children and young people who are having a challenging time and make a difference to each and every child they help.
May 8, 2021
I’ve always read and enjoyed the fostering memoirs of both Casey and Cathy glass, as they are so easy to read and truely reflect their family life warts and all.
Mummy please don’t leave introduces us to Seth and Tommy and their mum Jenna, Casey has had a break from fostering but feels she is ready to start again, after discussion with her case manager she is informed of a hard to place family unit consisting of a teenage mum, baby and four year old and jumps at the thought of taking them on!
This case proves extremely challenging for Casey and her long suffering but supportive family, but with her consistent, practical, sensible care and support she enables Jenna to fight her case.
Thank you netgalley for this early read.
Mummy please don’t leave introduces us to Seth and Tommy and their mum Jenna, Casey has had a break from fostering but feels she is ready to start again, after discussion with her case manager she is informed of a hard to place family unit consisting of a teenage mum, baby and four year old and jumps at the thought of taking them on!
This case proves extremely challenging for Casey and her long suffering but supportive family, but with her consistent, practical, sensible care and support she enables Jenna to fight her case.
Thank you netgalley for this early read.
April 26, 2021
Mummy, Please Don’t Leave. by Casey Watson.
Great story about 4 year old Seth and his baby brother Tommy who come to Casey and family. The boys life is in turmoil ... their mum is in prison .... the grandparents are in no fit state to look after them .. they are in worst state than anyone.
Jenna ... the kids mum is coming out of prison but will be staying with Casey too .. so she can learn to be a parent to her boys .. not the easiest on anyone Seth is a very troubled little boy and Jenna does not understand what she needs to do as a mum! With a lot of help from Casey can she become the mum these boys need!
Great story about 4 year old Seth and his baby brother Tommy who come to Casey and family. The boys life is in turmoil ... their mum is in prison .... the grandparents are in no fit state to look after them .. they are in worst state than anyone.
Jenna ... the kids mum is coming out of prison but will be staying with Casey too .. so she can learn to be a parent to her boys .. not the easiest on anyone Seth is a very troubled little boy and Jenna does not understand what she needs to do as a mum! With a lot of help from Casey can she become the mum these boys need!
July 19, 2021
OMG.........Mummy, Please Don’t Leave by Casey Watson was a amazing heartbreaking true story of a broken family and the foster carer who wants to keep them together.............Then again all her books I have read I have reached out for a box of tissues. This is a book that will stick with you a very long time, Casey's books are always written from the heart and always get me a blubbering mess I don't know why i read her books but I am hooked to this author
I highly recommend this latest book from Casey Fantastic read - Buy don't forget your tissues you will need more than a box!
Big Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I highly recommend this latest book from Casey Fantastic read - Buy don't forget your tissues you will need more than a box!
Big Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
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October 16, 2022ABSOLUTELY AMAZING
I Always Just love CASEY WATSON & her Books this book is AMAZING!
It was an Intense Emotional Rollercoaster that had my utterly gripped from start to finish. A case where Casey is challenges with trying to make a delinquent teenage mum, newly released from jail, her 4yo son and newborn boy, born in jail, into some kind of family unit.
The trials and pains faced by Casey and this little family are intense and Casey takes you along for the ride, taking you on the emotional rollercoaster she and this dysfunctional young family had to ensure, and try to survive.
I dont want to give to much away. But is say without a doubt this is a must read!!!
I Always Just love CASEY WATSON & her Books this book is AMAZING!
It was an Intense Emotional Rollercoaster that had my utterly gripped from start to finish. A case where Casey is challenges with trying to make a delinquent teenage mum, newly released from jail, her 4yo son and newborn boy, born in jail, into some kind of family unit.
The trials and pains faced by Casey and this little family are intense and Casey takes you along for the ride, taking you on the emotional rollercoaster she and this dysfunctional young family had to ensure, and try to survive.
I dont want to give to much away. But is say without a doubt this is a must read!!!
January 3, 2023
Mother-Baby
Although advised against it, Casey accepts a complicated Mother-Baby placement. Seth a swearing out of control 4 year old, Tommy a newborn and their 19 years old mother who is newly released from prison. With unloving foul moth parents Mom has no idea how to be a living mother. This is a complicated story where Mom must fight Social Services whose plan is to put the children up for adoption. Casey Watson is an excellent writer. Enjoy her stories and have read all of them. I look forward to a new one soon.
Although advised against it, Casey accepts a complicated Mother-Baby placement. Seth a swearing out of control 4 year old, Tommy a newborn and their 19 years old mother who is newly released from prison. With unloving foul moth parents Mom has no idea how to be a living mother. This is a complicated story where Mom must fight Social Services whose plan is to put the children up for adoption. Casey Watson is an excellent writer. Enjoy her stories and have read all of them. I look forward to a new one soon.
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April 25, 2021This story was completely unbelievable to me. The parenting did not seem suitable for young traumatised children. While going above and beyond with your job is a good thing, work policies and procpolicies should be followed. I do not believe that a foster carer who broke court agreed policies and wrote inacurrate logs would still be working.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 18, 2022Mummy, please don't leave
I just wanna say I loved this book from start to finish like all of Casey's books her and her husband Mike do a fantastic job in helping these children go on to better lives then where they've been & came from , and now I've started the recent one as once you start u can't put it down
I would give it 10+ stars if I could
I just wanna say I loved this book from start to finish like all of Casey's books her and her husband Mike do a fantastic job in helping these children go on to better lives then where they've been & came from , and now I've started the recent one as once you start u can't put it down
I would give it 10+ stars if I could
April 17, 2021
Jenna, Tommy, seth.
This is casey at her best taking on 2 children one a baby then there mother as well and casey will fight there corner to keep this family together which isn't easy but a definite 5 stars
This is casey at her best taking on 2 children one a baby then there mother as well and casey will fight there corner to keep this family together which isn't easy but a definite 5 stars
April 20, 2021
Amazing Lady
What a remarkable family to foster troubled children. It must take loads of patience, love and understanding. What a generous heart Casey has. I hope for the best for Jenna's family. Thanks to Casey they have a chance.
What a remarkable family to foster troubled children. It must take loads of patience, love and understanding. What a generous heart Casey has. I hope for the best for Jenna's family. Thanks to Casey they have a chance.
April 28, 2021
Yet another amazing Casey story
I love ashes books, once I start to read its so hard to put the book down. A very sad story that I hope turns into a beautiful life for The young family involved.
I love ashes books, once I start to read its so hard to put the book down. A very sad story that I hope turns into a beautiful life for The young family involved.
May 1, 2021
Very
Good book. This girl went through lots bbut fought to keep her babies. I do wonder,at end you mentioned she wrote a book. You should have named it so people could buy her book too.
Good book. This girl went through lots bbut fought to keep her babies. I do wonder,at end you mentioned she wrote a book. You should have named it so people could buy her book too.
January 5, 2022
Casey Does it again
As usual Casey does a wonderful job in telling the stories of the children in her care. This placement seemed to be a very challenging and difficult one for Casey and the family
As usual Casey does a wonderful job in telling the stories of the children in her care. This placement seemed to be a very challenging and difficult one for Casey and the family
March 15, 2022
Excellent read
Another great story from Casey, just read this for the second time. I have read all Casey's books to date. Such a great job she does with the support of her husband Mike and her family.
Another great story from Casey, just read this for the second time. I have read all Casey's books to date. Such a great job she does with the support of her husband Mike and her family.
April 15, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Casey is very honest and doesn’t come across as a goody two shoes at all. She admits when she is wrong and doesn’t pretend to be perfect. I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen in this book.
February 24, 2026
Book full of emotions
Little Zak and his foul temper but only because he needed love and good attention
Baby Tommy who seem the most loved.
Jen the young mam who had an awful childhood
Casey who bent the rules sometimes to help Jen.
Worth a read
Little Zak and his foul temper but only because he needed love and good attention
Baby Tommy who seem the most loved.
Jen the young mam who had an awful childhood
Casey who bent the rules sometimes to help Jen.
Worth a read
May 6, 2021
Excellent as always
June 1, 2021
Sweet story
May 16, 2022
Interesting read
The ending surprised me but it surprised Casey
too! Glad she gave us an insight after 2 years. Well written
The ending surprised me but it surprised Casey
too! Glad she gave us an insight after 2 years. Well written
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews