Tags:child
Is It My Fault, Mummy?
Foster carer Maggie Hartley is used to receiving placements at short notice, but the arrival of seven-year-old Paris sees her handling one of her most heart-breaking cases yet. Paris arrives at Maggie's house with the police, after the traumatised little girl is found wandering the streets alone, sobbing that she can't wake up her baby brother. When the police eventually discover where Paris lives, they make a shocking discovery: her mum and stepdad are in a heroin-induced coma, and it's too late to save five-month-old baby Joel. Paris is convinced it's all her fault but slowly, through love and care, she begins to open up to Maggie and reveals the horrendous neglect and abuse she and her brother endured. Maggie is stunned to discover that Paris knows exactly how to make a bottle and change a nappy, and it soon becomes clear that this little girl was forced to shoulder the responsibility of looking after her baby brother singlehandedly. With both parents on remand in prison and charged with neglect, Maggie must slowly try to break down the wall of guilt surrounding this damaged little girl and help her heal from the trauma of her brother's death.
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
Too Scared to Cry
Brothers Ben and Damien are shockingly quiet when they arrive on Maggie's doorstep. They don't shout or play like normal three and four year olds. They hardly dare make a sound, so much have they been conditioned to be 'seen and not heard' by their mother and controlling stepfather.More disturbingly, their little baby half-brother Noah is completely unresponsive. He doesn't play, he doesn't smile, he doesn't crawl - he doesn't even cry. In a state of blankness brought about by emotional neglect, poor baby Noah is disconnected from the world. Maggie has never seen such a young life so affected before. Yet with time, love and care, Maggie gradually unpicks what has caused this terrible void. With love and affection, they are no longer scared to be themselves. A true story of hope from Sunday Times bestselling author Maggie Hartley, a foster carer for over 20 years.'Such a beautiful book' 5* Amazon reader review
Battered, Broken, Healed
A new challenge faces foster carer Maggie Hartley: 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 HARTLEYWhen 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 situation: 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.
Groomed to be a Bride
'Mama is gone and I cry every night.'When a terrified young girl is discovered hiding in the back of a lorry, she is quickly taken into the care of social services. Arriving on the doorstep of foster carer Maggie Hartley, she is painfully thin, bruised and unable to speak a word of English. What atrocities has she escaped to bring her here? Woken each night by the screams of Halima's nightmares, Maggie is desperate to reach this damaged young girl. But without a shared language, she fears that she may never uncover the truth behind her terror. Can Maggie help Halima recover from the horrors she has endured, and help her build a new life for herself? Or will Halima forever be haunted by the ghosts of her past?A true story of hope from Sunday Times bestselling author Maggie Hartley, a foster carer for over 20 years.'A gripping story' 5* Amazon reader review
A Sister for Christmas
Her sister was in danger. Jazmin knew there was only one option if she wanted to make sure she was safe.'Come on, Pearl,' she whispered. 'Let's get you out of here.'Jazmin was only thirteen when she was taken into care, after asking to be removed from her mum herself. Tired and worn down by her mum's drinking and relationships with men who would threaten Jazmin, she spent her teenage years in care. Now, at eighteen, she is finally settled with her own place and a job as a teaching assistant. With an on-and-off relationship with her mum, Jaz can't help feel concerned when she hears she is pregnant again. Desperate for a relationship with her new half-sister, Pearl, she is hopeful the baby will provide a second chance for her mum. But when history starts to repeat itself, Jaz is forced to step in and, with Maggie's help, make a decision that will change the rest of her life...From Britain's most-loved foster carer, a new and incredibly inspirational short story of love for this Christmas.Readers LOVE Maggie Hartley:'Wow! I did not want this book to end. This story was unlike any other' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon reader review'Gripping and powerful read... makes you see what can be going on behind closed doors' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon reader review
Where's My Mummy?
'Mum and Dad. Gone?' asked Louisa. 'Yes,' I nodded. 'They're gone.' After a horrific car crash, thirteen-year-old Louisa is left fighting for her life in hospital. She wakes to find that her loving, happy family has been shattered overnight, with both of her parents now dead. With no one to care for her, Louisa is entirely alone. Britain's most-loved foster carer Maggie Hartley is called in to help Louisa cope with her devastating new life. Can Maggie find a way to bond with Louisa, overwhelmed with anger and grief? Or will she regret making decisions that will affect both her and Louisa for the rest of their lives?A true story of hope from Sunday Times bestselling author Maggie Hartley, a foster carer for over 20 years.'Excellent read. Didn't want it to end' 5* Amazon reader review
Nobody Loves Me
'Wow! I did not want this book to end. This story was unlike any other' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon reader review'Very gripping and powerful read... makes you see what can be going on behind closed doors' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon reader review'I'm very, very bad. I don't deserve to have nice things. Nobody loves me.'Three young siblings arrive at Maggie's door after being taken into care. Teachers of eight-year-old Bobby spotted distinct hand-shaped bruises on his arm and his dad and stepmother are uncooperative and hostile to Social Services. While they investigate, Bobby, as well as Melodie and Poppy, are looked after in Maggie's home.As the children settle in, a thought won't let Maggie go. While Melodie and Poppy are clean, well-fed and immaculately dressed, Bobby is pale, severely underweight and extremely quiet. What looks like a case of neglect is actually something much more sinister. Bobby and his half-sisters are hiding a cruel secret, but can Maggie find the truth?A new true story of hope from Sunday Times bestselling author Maggie Hartley, a foster carer for over 20 years.
Please Help My Mummy
'It's ok, Felix, don't worry. We're going to find your mummy.'When newborn baby Felix is found abandoned at a train station, the police launch a desperate search for his mum. It doesn't take long for their inquiries to lead them to Emily.While baby Felix is placed in Maggie's care, the police and Social Services try and work out why Emily, a single mum, who has gone through fertility treatment to get pregnant, has suddenly resorted to abandoning her much longed-for child.But it's only when Maggie wins her trust that Emily reveals the extent of her secret. Can Maggie help a desperate mother and her baby reunite?From Britain's best-loved foster carer, a new and inspiring true story of secrets and hope.*****Readers LOVE Maggie Hartley:'Wow! I did not want this book to end. This story was unlike any other' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon reader review'Very gripping and powerful read... makes you see what can be going on behind closed doors' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon reader review
Please Give My Baby Back
'Please don't take him. Let him stay with me. Please don't take my baby.'When a health visitor notices a bruise on her newborn son's leg, Robyn's world quickly falls apart. Before she knows what's happening, police are called and three-week-old Quinn is being taken to hospital to be examined. As Robyn can't give them any definite explanation as to what's caused the bruise, Quinn is immediately taken into care and given to Maggie to foster while Social Services investigate.With no idea how long the investigation will take and in total shock and distress that her newborn son has been taken from her, Robyn appeals to Maggie for help. But is Robyn really telling the truth that she hasn't harmed her baby? And if so, can Maggie help her prove her innocence and convince Social Services and the courts to let her bring Quinn home?A true story of hope from Sunday Times bestselling author Maggie Hartley, a foster carer for over 20 years.'Sad but brilliant read' 5* Amazon reader review
Not To Blame
'Could I do that, Maggie? Could I find my mum?'Sixteen-year-old Rebecca has been in care all her life, bouncing from foster carers and children's homes without ever having a permanent home to call her own. Social Services are at a loss as to what to do with the troubled teenager. Prone to violent outbursts and sudden, uncontrollable tantrums, Rebecca has never spent more than a few months in any one placement. When she comes to live with foster carer Maggie Hartley, it seems like there is little hope of Rebecca ever finding a long-term home. Her strange behaviour and sudden flashes of anger present challenges unlike any Maggie has ever seen before.But when a secret from Rebecca's past finally comes to light, it seems that Maggie has finally found the root of this vulnerable girl's out-of-control behaviour. Can Maggie help Rebecca come to terms with her past and realise she's not to blame?A true story of hope from Sunday Times bestselling author Maggie Hartley, a foster carer for over 20 years.'I loved this book' 5* Amazon reader review
Don't Cut a Cake, Awake! Your Birthday is Fake!!!
Don’t you cut your birthday cake? Stop! Awake! Your birthday is fake! You were not born on your birthday. Ask your mother. You were kicking in her stomach much before. You were born nine months ago. When will we realize that we are not this body that is born on our birthday? We are that Spark of Unique Life, the Soul that comes alive at conception. When will we realize the truth about life, about death? The body will die. People will say that we passed away. Who is the one that passed away? It is the Soul, that spark. This book can transform your life. It will help you discover the truth of who you are and why you are here. It will liberate you from the triple suffering on earth and rebirth.