Growing up,
sisters Libby and Nicky never knew who they’d find at breakfast.
Their parents
fostered children of all ages, and although the girls loved playing their part
in providing a safe haven, it meant that life was rarely peaceful.
Now as a
single mother of two, Libby’s life is still anything but peaceful. In her work
as an antenatal coach, as well as for the charity she and Nicky run for teenage
mothers, Libby uses all the skills she learnt growing up surrounded by
children. Her days are full, caring for her family, the mothers-to-be and the
latest strays she has welcomed into her home. But in the dark of the lonely
nights, Libby worries she’s falling apart at the seams.
One troubled
boy and a reckless decision she made thirteen years ago still haunts her.
Two hearts
that were broken, still not mended.
The time has
come for Libby to look out for herself. As her family, friends and her
community have known forever, Libby is one of a kind, and if she can just learn
to love herself, she may be able to welcome back the love she let slip through
her fingers.
Uplifting,
heart-warming and irresistibly good for the soul, it’s impossible not to fall
in love with a Beth Moran story. Perfect for all fans of Jill Mansell, Julie
Houston, and Jenny Colgan.
Libby is one busy busy woman. Single mum of two kids and all round superwoman running classes and supporting pregnant teenagers in the foster care system through the charity she runs with her sister Nicky as well as running antenatal classes too, it seems there aren't enough hours in the day. Yet, despite all her wonderful helping skills she just simply doesn't have the skills to help herself and her own life is far from together. As a matter of fact its falling apart and even her father has a better social life than she does! And not only that, she's dealing with an ex who has very clearly moved on, with his new life and family, invading Libby's life whether she wants it or not. Poor Libby is dealing with a lot and throw into the mix a face from the past and her broken and very fragile heart doesn't know which way is up.
Let me just start by saying I really really loved this book. I was instantly drawn to the story due to my own background as a social worker and also as someone who is involved in the fostering world too so this story instantly pulled me in. Beth Moran has written the whole book so well and gives great insight into the struggles associated with fostering, particularly teens and she has clearly drawn from her own experiences here to add authenticity into the story.
I enjoyed the mixture of characters and different personalities and really liked how Libby is actually quite flawed in so many ways. Her ex husband is of course an idiot at times but sometimes Libby doesn't always get in right in her dealings with him and I think we've all been there. There's no rule book for dealing with difficult situations and family breakups and mistakes are made by everyone involved.
The love story element and the going back and forward between teenage Libby and then teenage Jonah was so complicated and exciting and a little bit heart-breaking. I could really empathise with some elements of his life and my heart ached a little bit for him throughout. Actually it ached for so many of the teenage characters who had been dealt a rough hand in life and thrown into adult situations long before they were ready.
Beth Moran has dealt very well with many sensitive subjects throughout the book and deserves high praise for bringing important issues to the public arena. Her characters grow and grow as the story progresses and I could feel Libby's frustrations that there just didn't seem to be enough hours in the day to help not only herself but others too. Her heart is so big. For me, this was an extremely enjoyable read and I'd have no hesitation in highly recommending it.
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