ONE FOR THE MURPHYS grabbed my heart and never let go! When we first meet twelve-year-old Carley Connors, she's in a social worker's car on her way to foster care. We quickly learn that Carley and her mother have been beaten by her stepfather. Carley has just been released from the hospital and her mother is still unconscious.
The first shocker of this book happens in a flashback. Carly remembers how the beating started. Her mother caught her by the foot and yelled at her stepfather. "Honey, I got her! I got her by the foot!" Carly was betrayed by her own mother.
Carley has a hard time trusting the Murphys, but Mrs. Murphy and her two youngest sons finally work their way into her heart. Just as she is hoping to be adopted by them, the social worker takes Carley to see her mother. What happens next is unexpected, but inevitable.
What sets this novel apart is it's not depressing. Carley is quick-witted, sarcastic, and kind. I found myself, rather than feeling sorry for her, rooting for her to overcome her circumstances.
Kirkus just gave ONE FOR THE MURPHYS a starred review, and for good reason. If you like books that will make you cry, make you laugh, and ultimately make you cheer, then this book is for you.
I'm honored and humbled by such a beautiful review. Thanks, Shannon!
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome. I loved your book. I won the gently used ARC over on Rosi Hollinbeck's blog.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on winning this book. I am now eager to read it too!
ReplyDeleteJoyce, I think you will love it!
ReplyDeleteI just added this to my wish list. I want to cry, laugh, and cheer.
ReplyDeleteOh, this sounds like a great read, Shannon. Thanks for the wonderful review. I'm adding One for the Murphys to the top of my reading pile.
ReplyDeleteHi Medeia and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine anyone not loving this book!
Thanks, again, Shannon! So glad that you won it and enjoyed it! :-)
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