How do you build a life when yours has been shattered to dust?Sawyer spent her childhood bouncing from one foster home to the next. As an adult, she spends her days advocating for those in the same broken system. When a child in her care runs away on a rural road in Kansas, it starts a chain reaction that unravels memories from her past. At the center is a grumpy rancher she can’t seem to stay away from. Sawyer wasn’t built for love and relationships. In the end, everyone always leaves.Soren is no stranger to tragedy. Over the last eight years, he has rebuilt his life from the ruins of his greatest regret. When he returns from feeding cattle to find a beautiful woman sitting on his porch, he can’t shake a sense of déjà vu. Soren feels desperate to know her—especially when he finds out how closely connected she is to his past.Is it possible for a relationship to last when love may not be enough to hold you together?The Magic of Light is a contemporary romance novel about love, loss, and the power of hope against all odds. Read more

Sometimes, the greatest gift is a second chance at family.At three years old, Robby faces rejection from his birth mother and the harsh reality of life in an orphanage. For two years, he endures the emotional rollercoaster of trial days with potential parents, only to be returned each time.But when Catherine chooses to adopt him, she offers more than just a home. She offers hope.As Robby grows, so do the challenges. His early trauma shapes his personality, leading him from a mischievous boy into a free-spirited young man. With Catherine's unwavering support, he discovers the strength to forge his own path—one in which he can belong, adventure, and eventually gain reconciliation with his past.Inspired by true events, A Hand for Me is a deeply moving exploration of the transformative power of adoption and the unbreakable bond of a mother’s commitment.Diane M. Dresback’s story will touch your heart and renew your faith that unconditional love can heal even the deepest wounds. It reminds us that family is not defined by blood but by the choices we make and the love we share. Read more

Every choice you make carries a consequence. What if your consequence was an unwanted pregnancy?Theresa graciously agrees to share part of her life for a biographical paper being written by two high school students. She surprises her unsuspecting interviewers with stories of a broken childhood, tales of love found and lost, and the strength summoned to make the hardest decision of her life.The sharing of her past not only provides material for Theresa’s students, but also prepares herself for one of the most impactful introductions yet to come.“So many times throughout the book I felt I was in the room feeling the current situation or dilemma as if I were there! It is absolutely a story of a courageous path taken…A delightfully satisfying story to read.” Amazon reviewerRoom For Another is a fictionalized account based on true life events of author Diane M. Dresback’s biological mother. The one thing that Diane learned about her mother was that it didn’t matter if you were blood, step, half, ex, in-law, adopted, or anywhere in-between—everyone was family and she always had room in her heart for another.“Enjoy a heartfelt story that resonates in many ways. You don’t have to be an adoptee, a birth, or an adoptive parent, to enjoy this book.” Amazon reviewer“It talks about decisions, hard decisions to make and live with. It also speaks of hope and kindness.” Goodreads reviewer“I can't believe how great this author can write such a powerful story even as it is real. The way she presented the story it made you feel like you were right there as everything happen.” Goodreads reviewer“It is well written and flows smoothly. I will recommend this book and look forward to reading others by this author.” Goodreads reviewer Read more

Perfect for fans of Richard Coles, Fiona Leitch and Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, introducing a brand-new cosy crime series set in the gardening world featuring an unlikely amateur sleuth and her loveable dog.Steph Williams has arrived at the wealthy, gated community of Beaulieu Heights ready to start her new position as head gardener. Surrounded by mansions and acres of land, it's worlds apart from the life she knows, but she's determined to give it her best shot.If she happens to accidentally overhear private conversations while trimming the bushes, or is refused access to a locked shed, she knows not to question it - after all, gardeners should be seen and not heard.Until notes start turning up, threatening to reveal the deepest secrets of the residents. Suddenly Steph finds herself the prime suspect, and now she must leave the shelter of the gardens behind to clear her name and save her job.The seeds of suspicion have been planted, but the case is turning out to be no bed of roses. And when the investigation puts her life at risk, Steph is up against the clock to weed out the real culprit before it's too late...Readers are GRIPPED by Seeds of Murder:'I loved the way this book combined the genre of cozy mystery with horticultural knowledge . . . An excellent book to snuggle up with' Reader review, 5 stars'In need of comfort-reading, [this book] hits the spot. Cleverly plotted, well-written and hugely enjoyable' Reader review, 5 stars'Lots of twists and turns make this a fun mystery to read. Love the setting, characters and story plot' Reader review, 5 stars'I could not put it down. Absolutely incredible reading' Reader review, 5 stars Read more

2nd Place Winner for Women's Fiction in the 2021 Pencraft Awards2021 New Mexico-Arizona Book Award Finalist for Fiction OtherIn the summer of 1993, on the ninth anniversary of her Mama’s death, Sandy runs away. Having a fear of germs is inconvenient when you’re on a road-trip adventure. However, needing to know what it’s like to have a mom, and to finally see the beach means more than anything to an eleven-year-old.Some sixteen years later, a man Sandy never wanted to see again shows up at her doorstep. When Sandy’s best friend places an ultimate life-changing decision in her hands, Sandy must venture back down the road, this time with the father she hates.Making these decisions will be much easier with Justin, a long-time friend, by Sandy’s side. Yet, Justin’s help only leads to continued mixed emotions Sandy has been fighting for some time.A journey rich in history, the truth, and determining forgiveness with a touch of humor is the portrait of life.*Annually, 10% of the proceeds from the sale of this book, and all Savannah’s books are donated to dog rescue organizations Read more

The new fostering memoir from the Sunday Times bestselling author Casey WatsonWith his young mother in and out of prison, Sammy has been in care since he was nine years old. Left feeling entirely alone, he has never had a proper safe haven.There is one person looking out for Sammy: his neighbour, ‘Uncle Kenny’. But while Sammy may turn to Kenny for comfort, alarm bells soon start to ring for experienced foster carer Casey Watson…Will Casey be able to save Sammy before it’s too late?Casey Watson's book 'Little Girl Lost' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2024-03-25. Read more

SARA SHARIF is the most recent victim of child murder whose name has become the focus of media attention.But with 2 children per week in the UK and 27 children per week in the US being abused to death by their caregivers, I’m on a mission to raise awareness and protect children — will you join me?This thought-provoking collection of eight heartfelt stories, written in the children’s voices, avoids sensationalism, but does not shy away from the facts, and will appeal to those who care about preventing the suffering of innocent children, including:Baby P – just 17 months old when his mother’s boyfriend and his brother abused and murdered him, while his mother sat by, surfing the internet.Sylvia Likens – a shy teenager who loved The Beatles, whose foster mother encouraged the neighbourhood children to humiliate and torture her.This in-depth look behind the headlines explores why parents commit these horrific crimes, warning signs to look out for, and steps towards prevention.A portion of royalties is donated to child abuse prevention charities.Not suitable for children, nor those who find depictions of children’s suffering deeply upsetting. Read more

The eleventh instalment in the popular Thrown Away Children paperback series.Michelle and Andy are thrilled to be fast-tracked into fostering and are quickly paired with 7-year-old Milo – whom they hope will complete their family, making a ‘pigeon pair’ with their older daughter, Grace.But Milo tears through their home like a raging tornado, destroying a beautiful interior – and their lives.Their dream of a new homelife costs Michelle her job, thousands of pounds in damages to their home and car, and leaves them with a traumatised daughter in need of professional support.What are the secrets of his violent and destructive behaviours? Experienced foster carer Louise Allen steps in. Can she uncover the little boy’s disturbing past and help him? Read more

The Road Back to Me is a raw and inspiring memoir of resilience, healing, and the power of love. Now a motivational speaker and advocate, Paula shares her journey to offer hope to foster children, caregivers, and anyone overcoming adversity. A must-read for those passionate about child welfare and personal transformation. Read more

Each day Annie McDaniel’s dream of a brighter future slips further away. After her nephew’s world is destroyed in a burst of gunfire, Annie receives temporary custody of five-year-old Dillon. Now the greenhouse she managed with her late father isn’t bringing in enough money. If she doesn’t get her financial house in order, a judge will allow a couple in Baltimore to adopt Dillon—and remove him from her life forever. Desperate, she takes on a second job at Rowe Marketing. The instant attraction she shares with Michael Rowe is a circumstance Annie can’t risk. But should she walk away from a love sure to last a lifetime? Fresh, heartwarming and inspiring, The Dream You Make reveals that hope always carries the promise of new beginnings. Praise for Nolfi's other bestsellers: Treasure Me: "Sure to delight and entertain." --USA Today Second Chance Grill: “A wonderful and highly recommended prequel to Treasure Me.” --Susan Bethany, The Midwest Book Review The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge: “A novel of remarkable, rare substance.” --Literary Inklings Read more

Patti Eddington always knew she was adopted, and her beloved parents seemed amenable enough to questions—but she never wanted to hurt them by expressing curiosity, so she didn’t. The story of her mother cutting off and dying her hair when she was a toddler? She thought it was eccentric and funny, nothing more. When she discovered at fifteen that her birthday wasn’t actually her birthday? She believed it when her mother said she’d changed it to protect her from the “nosy old biddies” who might try to discover her identity. It wasn’t until decades later, when a genealogy test led Patti to her biological family (including an aunt with a shocking story) and the discovery of yet another birthday, that she really began to integrate what she thought she knew about her origins. Determined to know the truth, she finally petitioned a court to unseal records that had been locked up for almost sixty years—and began to put the pieces of her past together, bit by painstaking bit. Framed by a brief but poignant 1963 “Report of Investigation” based on a caseworker’s one-day visit to Patti’s childhood home, The Girl With Three Birthdays tells the story of an adoptee who always believed she was the answer to a couple’s seventeen-year journey to become parents, until a manila envelope from a rural county court arrived and caused her to question . . . everything. Read more

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 Read more

One day when he was eighteen, Michael Blair was lounging on the living room sofa when his mother shut off the vacuum and turned his world upside down. “Craig is not your real dad,” she suddenly told him. Stunned by the news, Michael discovered that this was a secret his entire family had kept from him. Two years later Michael began the search for his biological father. Wading through years of untruths and talking to people who were not forthcoming, Michael spent the next twenty-five years following clues and leads, all resulting in more questions and dead end roads. Finally, as with many adoptees, science caught up with the impossible and Michael was able to use a home DNA test to uncover the identity of his biological father. He quickly realized that the answer he had searched for came with many consequences. Finding his biological father was not the end of his journey, like he had hoped. Instead, he discovered that it was just the beginning. I Had My Underwear On the Entire Time is a book about secrets. It's the story about a forty-five-year-old mystery that gets unearthed and the aftermath that follows. This book is for those who carry secrets and also for those who are the keepers of secrets. It is also for the few who seek answers to their own mysteries. I Had My Underwear On The Entire Time can serve as a guide to those on a quest and it showcases the author's successes and missteps along the way. This book may motivate people who find themselves in a similar situation and may prove that they are not alone. Read more

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"An extremely useful parenting handbook... truly outstanding ... strongly recommended."--Library Journal (starred review)"A tremendous resource for parents and professionals alike."--Thomas Atwood, president and CEO, National Council for AdoptionThe adoption of a child is always a joyous moment in the life of a family. Some adoptions, though, present unique challenges. Welcoming these children into your family--and addressing their special needs--requires care, consideration, and compassion.Written by two research psychologists specializing in adoption and attachment, The Connected Child will help you:Build bonds of affection and trust with your adopted childEffectively deal with any learning or behavioral disordersDiscipline your child with love without making him or her feel threatened"A must-read not only for adoptive parents, but for all families striving to correct and connect with their children."--Carol S. Kranowitz, author of The Out-of-Sync Child"Drs. Purvis and Cross have thrown a life preserver not only to those just entering uncharted waters, but also to those struggling to stay afloat."--Kathleen E. Morris, editor of S. I. Focus magazine"Truly an exceptional, innovative work . . . compassionate, accessible, and founded on a breadth of scientific knowledge and clinical expertise."--Susan Livingston Smith, program director,Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute"The Connected Child is the literary equivalent of an airline oxygen mask and instructions: place the mask over your own face first, then over the nose of your child. This book first assists the parent, saying, in effect, 'Calm down, you're not the first mom or dad in the world to face this hurdle, breathe deeply, then follow these simple steps.' The sense of not facing these issues alone--the relief that your child's behavior is not off the charts--is hugely comforting. Other children have behaved this way; other parents have responded thusly; welcome to the community of therapeutic and joyful adoptive families."--Melissa Fay Greene, author of There is No Me Without You: One Woman's Odyssey to Rescue Africa's Children Read more

Do you ever feel like you don’t quite belong?No matter your background, the longing for acceptance, security, and connection is universal. But what if the key to deep healing lies in understanding your place in God’s family?Adopted by God offers a life-changing perspective on spiritual adoption—showing how it is not just a theological concept, but a transformational reality that brings healing and a sense of belonging. Through Scripture, real-life stories, and insights from psychology, this book uncovers how your early attachments shape your relationships—and how God’s love can gently rewrite those patterns.With years of experience as an adoptive father, author Matt Lambert weaves personal experiences, biblical wisdom, and therapeutic insight in a warm and down-to-earth way. Written in clear, everyday language, Adopted by God invites you into a deeper understanding of who you are and how you are loved.Whether you have experienced adoption personally or simply long for a closer relationship with God, this book will help you step into your identity as His beloved child.Inside, you’ll discover:✔ How early attachment shapes your relationships—and how to heal and build new, healthy patterns✔ Biblical examples of spiritual adoption and what they reveal about your identity✔ Steps to heal from past wounds and establish a secure foundation in God’s love✔ The role of therapeutic parenting principles in deepening your spiritual connection✔ How to reclaim a sense of belonging and confidently walk as a child of GodEach chapter includes gentle “Pause for Thought” reflections to help you process, pray, and grow—making this book ideal for personal journaling or group discussion.This book includes:◆ A powerful perspective on the universal longing for acceptance, security, and connection◆ Practical steps and biblical examples to guide you toward a deeper relationship with God◆ A transformative understanding of spiritual adoption and how it can bring healing and wholenessTone: Pastoral, compassionate, and reflective—written to be easily understood, even when dealing with deep and meaningful truths.Adopted by God is a fantastic book that helpfully bridges the gap between theology and psychology, making it a valuable resource for any Christian.— Andy Robinson, Pastor, Educator, Founder of WayMaker.org.ukMatt emphasises that understanding our adoption into God's family leads to a restored identity, wholeness and an intimate relationship with the Father. It will inspire and equip readers to embrace their identity as beloved children of God.— Tarn Bright, CEO of Safe Families & Home for GoodYou don’t have to struggle with feelings of rejection or insecurity forever. Your place in God’s family is secure—will you embrace it?Get your copy of Adopted by God today and start your journey toward healing and wholeness. Read more

"A roadmap for healing and connection that every parent and child could benefit from."--Tori Hope Petersen, bestselling author and speaker· from a former street kid turned adoptive dad and foster dad· how to parent with grace and consistency· special information about dealing with challenging behaviors, broken trust, and traumaWhether a child has been in a loving and supportive home from day one or has been bounced from one house to another in the foster care system, parenting them is messy. A former street kid, Peter Mutabazi knows what it feels like to grow up in a world where love, caring, and kindness are nowhere to be found. But as the adoptive father of three and a foster dad to more than forty children, he also knows what a difference it makes when a child experiences the positive influence of an attentive and loving parent.In this honest and hopeful book, Peter shares surprising lessons he has learned during his unique parenting adventure, including how to· parent children for who they are rather than for who you want them to be· look beyond problem behaviors to find their root causes· love children who do not want your love· understand your own scars and turn them into understanding and healing for your childrenNo matter what your parenting journey has entailed, you will find wisdom, encouragement, and practical instruction in these hope-soaked pages. Read more

Prequel to Holiday Babies Series. Heather and Jeff have always been in love and plan to get married in a few years. Heather is only eighteen and will soon start college, and Jeff has just received a scholarship at MIT for a Master’s in Agricultural Engineering. Their well-planned future falls apart when Heather discovers she is pregnant. Talk about the wrong time. Besides, the news might kill her father who is battling cancer. How can they save their relationship and their baby’s future? Read more

In this completely revised and updated edition of Raising Adopted Children, Lois Melina, editor of Adopted Child newsletter and the mother of two children by adoption, draws on the latest research in psychology, sociology, and medicine to guide parents through all stages of their child's development. Melina addresses the pressing adoption issues of today, such as open adoption, international adoption, and transracial adoption, and answers parents' most frequently asked questions, such as:How will my child "bond" or form attachments to me?When and how should I tell my child that he was adopted?What should schools be told about my child?Will adoption make adolescent upheavals more complicated?Up-to-date, sensitive, and clear, Raising Adopted Children is the definitive resource for all adoptive parents and concerned professionals. Read more

Little Jamey, 2½ years old, is placed with experienced foster carer, Cathy Glass, as an emergency.The police and social services have no choice but to remove two-year-old Jamey from home after his mother leaves him alone all night to go out partying.When he first arrives with foster carer Cathy Glass, he is scared, hungry and withdrawn, craving the affection he has been denied for so long. He is small for his age and unsteady on his feet – a result of being left for long periods in his cot.Cathy and her family find Jamey very easy to love, but as he settles in and makes progress, a new threat emerges. Coronavirus and lockdown change everything.Cathy Glass's book 'Helpless' was a No.1 Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2024-09-02. Read more