The fifth book from bestselling author and specialist foster carer Casey Watson. A recent census shows that there are at least 175,000 child carers in the UK, 13,000 of whom care for more than 50 hours a week. Many remain invisible to a system that would otherwise help them. Abigail is one of those children. This is her story.
Ten-year-old Abigail's mother Sarah has been rushed into hospital. Sarah has multiple sclerosis (MS) and has had a terrible fall. MS is a crippling disease, and progressively debilitating, and Sarah is now in a very bad way. Abigail has never known her father; she and her mother have coped alone since she was three. From being little more than a toddler Abigail has single-handedly cared for her, gradually learning to shop, cook and clean, and attend to her mother's personal care. Suddenly this has all come to the attention of social services and Abigail has nowhere to go.
‘I’m so sorry, Casey,’ my link worker John said, sounding weary. ‘I know this is probably the worst time I could ring you, but we desperately need someone to take a child tonight.’
'It's okay, lovely,' I soothed. 'You let it all out.' She sobbed and sobbed as all the fear came tumbling to the surface. Foster carer Maggie Hartley is finally enjoying a well-earned holiday from fostering, savouring time with her brand new baby granddaughter. One night, though, the peace and quiet is interrupted by an urgent call from Social Services. A man has been stabbed, and Social Services need to find an emergency placement for his little girl. Maggie is used to children arriving on her doorstep at all times of the day and night, but nothing can prepare her for the sight of eleven-year-old Nancy. The little girl arrives in her pyjamas, covered in blood, and mute with shock. With her mother missing and her father in intensive care, the police are desperate for answers. Who stabbed Nancy's father? Where is her mother? And what is Nancy hiding about her seemingly perfect family? The longer Maggie spends with her little girl, the clearer it becomes that all is not as it seems. Can Maggie discover the terrible truth of what's been happening behind closed doors? A true story of hope from Sunday Times bestselling author Maggie Hartley, a foster carer for over 20 years. 'A moving read, very well-written' 5* Amazon reader review
The second book from Sunday Times bestselling author Linda Fairley. ‘No matter how many babies I deliver, each and every one is a miracle, connecting me to the world like nothing else, reminding me that we are all equal in the beginning, and in the end. It’s a great leveller, childbirth.’
Casey's Unit is, as ever, full of troubled, disaffected pupils, and new arrival Leo is something of a conundrum. Thirteen year old Leo isn't a bad lad - in fact, he's generally polite and helpful, but he's in danger of permanent exclusion for repeatedly absconding and unauthorised absences. Despite letters being sent home regularly, his mother never turns up for any appointments, and when the school calls home she always seems to have an excuse. Though Casey has her hands full, she offers to intervene for a while, to try get Leo engaged in learning again and remaining in school. The head's sceptical though and warns her that this is Leo's very last chance. But Casey's determined, because there's something about Leo that makes her want to fight his corner, and get to the bottom of whatever it is that compels this enigmatic boy to keep running away. With Leo so resolutely tight-lipped and secretive, Casey knows that if she's going to keep this child in education, she's going to have to get to the bottom of it herself...
From the age of three Sheena Harrison was brought up by her grandmother whilst her own mother, Kathleen, sought work in America. Kathleen later returned for her daughter, but her mother refused to hand her over, saying Sheena had settled into her new home. She left once more for the States, believing that Sheena would be loved, cared for and kept safe. What she did not know was that Granny Morag would go on to allow, indeed facilitate, the horrific abuse of little Sheena. From the age of four, she was appallingly abused by members of her own family, being little more than a plaything for their perverted desires. Her uncle and others saw abuse as normal, and they raped and assaulted her with impunity. As she entered her teenage years, Sheena became highly promiscuous and also needed medical attention for some of the damage inflicted upon her. In this book, Sheena tells her full story with heart-breaking honesty. It is a story of cruelty and horror, but also one which shows the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. Sheena's experiences are almost unimaginable and yet she has survived them as a reflective, caring woman who can both forgive and look ahead. It is a story which will make you angry but will also touch your heart.
Cody is a nine year old girl who loves God with her whole heart. She has many adventures on the family's farm and sees God in everything she does. Not everything is perfect- Cody gets into trouble and has the same struggles all other kids do. But when she remembers to rely on God and His word, it changes the whole situation. Join Cody as she learns how to raise a lamb to show at the county fair, and has a hard time when she doesn't win the grand prize.
When Imogen - a young girl with selective mutism - joins the school, her teacher Casey Watson is determined to discover the truth behind her silence, revealing a shocking and devastating past.
