Review: Hmmm ... Loved it!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 2, 2012
I was waiting for this book because it looked so good!  I've started to read it and so far, I'm a little ticked off!  The impression that EVERY child must live in a two-parent home is really really closed minded.  I know for a fact that the system has categories when placing a child in a foster home.  SOME are placed with single parents.  I'm just really disgusted at this woman's point of view that all kids must be placed in a two-parent home.  YES, ideally this is what we all know and strive for, but in reality, this isn't always the case. Hey I'm a single parent and okay I have one kid but she does great! I'm going to continue reading it and edit my review later...but this is the only thing bothering me so far.  I was part of the system.  My only thought was finding anyone who would want to care for me and my siblings. I may have got split from a sibling and went with the other.  BUT that was due to our circumstances. Foster kids constantly hope for stability and a lasting loving home.  I'm just floored by this immediate thought of this social worker.  I had to be placed in a two parent, but some aren't.  I did get my forever family and I'm hoping beyond hope I read something good in this book! I can't stress enough that I think for certain circumstances there is a must for two parent homes, but single parents CAN foster and adopt. It's not impossible!  So far in this case it appears Luke is doing a fabulous job on his own.Bracing myself so I don't get agitated by the single-mindedness of this.  I hated it when I was torn from a foster mom because they felt we needed more structure with two parents.  They rip you from that brief moment of "wow we are really okay" then bam your split apart and bracing yourself for the next slice through your heart.  Yeah the system sucks and I hope beyond hope that I enjoy the rest of this book.I promise, for now, there is 3 star rating, and a comment.  I shall update!10/3/12 UPDATE:I still stand by what I said earlier, but I can understand to a degree why Kealey is the way she is.  However, she should have never had that cloud her judgement.  She did.  I won't say what.  I get why she's the way she is.  Words of temporary were flung around, but anyone could clearly see that when it came down to it, Luke and kids would be attached.  It's so unbelievably sad that the system works this way pulling kids from a good environment just because they can.  This was frustrating to read.  I commend Kealey for doing what she was doing, but I felt she was going about it all wrong.  I absolutely loved Jane and Mary for everything they said to Kealey.  It makes you wonder ... if protecting yourself is more harmful or better than plunging a head and experiencing change. Something to think about.  I will give Kealey some credit, she did think about doing just that.  I still think she went about it in a closed minded way.  Yeah it sucks what happened, it will happen again.  However, it doesn't mean it will happen all the time.  Each case is different with different circumstances.  She's a Social Worker and it pained me that she let personal feelings cloud her judgement.  Except...I'm somewhat glad she did!  I know strange, but very true!  There's a nice surprise and in the end everything falls together.  I loved it!  I totally recommend, but those who have an inkling of the system might get a bit opinionated.  Keep reading!  You will fall in love with these kids, the Duncan family, Kealey, and definitely Luke Duncan.  Amazing guy!  Amazing writing it flowed really well!  Tears, frustration, laughter and well worth every cent!  I thought about just 4 stars, but I changed my mind because I could let my frustration go regarding Kealey.  She surprised me as I am sure she will surprise most! Huh well I'll be, a reprint.  Loved this cover better!