A movingly written true tale of a little girl who only wanted to be loved and tried to obtain this by helping - rather obsessively, as she didn't know better.

Angela Hart writes about the children she fosters and this is the first of her stories that I've read, but it really moved me. She, and her husband, had immense patience with this lovely little girl who was just a bundle of energy, but who also had no real ways of getting rid of this energy. Especially, as she struggled with reading and writing. And sitting still. A child who needed to keep her hands occupied and was physical rather than mental in her outlook on life.

Unfortunately, her father seemed to be easily cowed by his new partner, who had a girl of a very similar age and who wanted her child to be the head of the family of children rather than Lucy. And to a very large extent it would seem, invented disruptive behaviour from Lucy or ensured it, in order to get her removed from the family. Lucy never really settled anywhere as she always believed that her father loved her and would have her back home, soon.

Good on you Angela. May you foster many more children! And write about them to encourage more people to take on fostering.

This is the first book I have read by this author and what a tear jerker!

This is the true story of a little girl called Lucy who was abandoned by her mum and then by her step mum and proved to difficult for her aunts and grandmother. She loves her Dad who is unable to stand up to his wife and all she wants is to go back to the family home with her other siblings and step sister.
She is fostered by an amazing couple who try everything in order for her to get her wish. They encounter difficulties both with the family and the authorities.
Will she ever go home ?

This book is so unlike anything I usually read but I’m trying to broaden my reading genres.

This is a story I felt deep in my soul and I think that is mostly because the reader knows it’s a true story. My heart hurt for Lucy and I just wanted her to love and be loved like any child should.

I did find that I finishing the book feeling as though I had more questions that what I started with, and clearly no answe s in sight. That made me feel a little unsettled, which is silly but I feel like the story is unfinished..

I guess that’s why I stick to fiction. That’s not to say I wouldn’t and won’t be reading more books in this genre and also by this author.

3.5 stars!

*copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Wow what an emotional and heartbreaking story beautifully written what wonderful foster parents Angela and Johnathan were and what that little girl went through really pulls at your heart strings got nothing but praise to say about this novel and can't believe a parent can be so cold to a child was so angry with these parents and when it's a true story it affects me more I was so imotional ready this and it will leave a lasting impression on me brilliant but sad story but so pleased to have read it

I don't usually go for real life stories, but I'm glad I read this one. Angela and Jonathan are foster carers, and this is the story of Lucy, one of their foster children. It makes you wonder about how some people think it's ok to treat their children, and how much damage can be caused. It's also heart warming to know that people like the Harts can make a difference to a child's life. Thanks to Netgalley for a preview copy.
Copied to Goodreads.

Approach this book with box of tissues because after reading this I’m an emotional wreck!
This is one of the most moving and poignant stories I’ve ever read.
Based on a true account I’m now in awe of all foster parents and al, that they do and the challenges they face daily.

This is the story of Lucy, who is put into the care of Angela and Johnathon who are foster carers.

It's only meant to be for a couple of months as Lucy's family want to have her back but at the age of eight they feel as if they cannot look after her with all her problems, Lucy has been past from pillar to post both Aunties couldn't handle her and her gran felt too old to look after Lucy properly.

So Lucy is taken to Angela and Johnathon's which is in a different county to be cared for. This is a very sad story as Lucy obviously idolises her father and desperately wants to live with him and her other brother and sisters.

But Lucy doesn't like her soon to be stepmother and the feeling is mutual, I do wish there was more information given at the end of the story, such as all the little stories were they true or was Lucy making them up?? Was there a previous step mother and was Lucy miss treated, I felt as if I had more questions than answer by the end of the story and felt as if it really wasn't a complete story.

I received a email last week asking if I would like to read this book and I was over the moon as I have read all of Angela's previous books and enjoyed them.
This is another book I couldn't put down and read most of it in one sitting. Angela as a way of describing things that you actually feel like you were there experiencing the emotions with her.
I can't wait for the next one. Thank you for letting me have a preview copy.

The story of a girl who ends up in the foster care system who wanted to go home to her family. A brilliant insight as to how the foster parents Angela and Jonathan fought for Lucy and were there supporting her as she encountered disappointments and set backs. Really touched my heart

As soon as I saw the title and cover of this book, I knew it would make an impact on me. I was contacted by the publisher and asked to review this title. I junped at the chance because I love this type of true story as it is a very powerful genre. I've read many stories of this kind by the author Cathy Glass and wanted to try one of Angela Hart's books because she is a new author to me.

Lucy's story is no exception. She's only 8 years old and has already been through more than a child should have to. Abandoned by her mum and kicked out by her stepmother, she lived with her elderly grandmother and aunts before she ends up at the home of foster carer Angela Hart.

Everyone Lucy was living with (except her grandmother) claims Lucy is too much to handle. The relationship between Lucy and her dad and grandmother is very good and her grandmother feels bad that she is too elderly to care for Lucy. Angela realises Lucy is not as relatives have described her. She's bubbly and talkative as well as willing to help out around the house and flower shop the family have. Soon, Angela notices subtle things about Lucy's behaviour. She's clingy, imptient yet wanting to know about everything.

Lucy wants to be at home with her dad and gran. But is home the right place? Will she prove too much for Angela, too? There are some very heartbreaking aspects in how much she misses her dad and gran but she has a great sense of humour considering everything.

There's a good amount of material in this book to keep me guessing and what we learn about Lucy's family dynamic is both heartwarming and shocking, how much she years for her dad and grandmother but talks awful things about treatment from a stepmother, Wendy. Her personality and character was very well represented and made me feel uncomfortable which was good as it was very realistic.

Lucy is enthusistic about life and also has to try and get on with Angela and Jonathan's other foster child, Maria which is another thing as Maria is hostile towards Lucy from the outset. Will she change for the better too?

The book has a pace that just made me get through it quickly. I was interested that Lucy was statemented at school as it is an experience I had personally and so I could identify with that.

Thank you so much to Angela Hart and Bluebird Publishing for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. I'm really wanting to read more by Angela Hart.

Lucy is Eight years old and she’s put in the foster care being abandons by her mother .
Lucy is unhappy because she is missing her Dad and three siblings
But will she be nice to have her stepmother and her stepsister .
I had an ARC from Netgalley

You will definitely need a box of tissues when reading this heartbreaking book!! The fact that it’s a true story is unbelievable!!

Little lucy is eight and is taken into foster care when she is abandoned by her mum and her new stepmother, Although initially taken under her familys wings , they find her behaviour difficult, and her grandmother reluctantly has to contact social services for help.

Social services find her foster carers Angela and Jonathan who do all in their power to help Lucy. Their love and devotion shine through. The selfless love they show her is inspirational.

Lucy misses her dad terribly and her quest for his love and approval is heartbreaking.

This books explores the wonderful job foster carers do!! To love and look after a child with difficult behaviour is hard enough in itself but when the child isn’t your own takes a special kind of person .

My happy childhood was taken for granted and this story opened my eyes to the situations some children face. Working with children daily this book has also drew my attention to different family dynamics and the fact that those with difficult behaviour may be fighting their own battles away from school. I throughly recommend this fantastic book.

Thank you netgalley and the publishers for my chance to read this book.

This is a beautifully written true story of 8yr old Lucy who was put into foster care. Her stepmother, aunties and grandmother said they couldn't cope with her behaviour as she was disruptive. Angela and Jonathan are experienced foster carers who Social Services called upon to take her in. Showing her love and respect, along with boundaries Angela and Jonathan set about trying to reunite her with her family.
It's a sorry fact that many children are taken in to care when parents find they can't cope for one reason or another., but you have to give credit to the foster carers who bend over backwards to care for them.
My heart went out to Lucy who didn't always manage to be good but did try her best for the most part. At times I felt the father was weak and wished he would grow a backbone but oh Lucy did love her daddy so much. One person I didn't take to at all was Wendy, her stepmother. The way she spoke to Lucy at times was enough to make her play up. She seemed very controlling. Would there ever be enough harmony between them for Lucy to go back home? This is one story you really need to read to find out just what happens. I have no hesitation in recommending this book and it gets five stars from me. This is my honest and unbiased review.
My grateful thanks to Bluebird publishers for my copy via NetGalley

The Girl Who Wanted to Belong
The True Story of a Devastated Little Girl and the Foster Carer who Healed her Broken Heart



Book Description
The fifth book in the series by foster mum and Sunday Times bestselling author Angela Hart who, along with her husband Jonathan, has fostered more than fifty children.

I used to love reading books like this, I often dreamed of being a foster carer, I think it's an amazing job they do for young people who often need a temporary home.
There was a time I could read them and not feel so emotional. Then I had a child of my own and I got that I couldn't cope.

This one sounded great despite what the subject is, it was a fantastic read, brilliantly written and put together and totally pulling on my heart strings I found it an emotional read. But maybe I'm also in an emotional mood.


This book should come with a free box of tissues, it really got me into a totally snotty tissue fest. How one child can just need the help and support from someone who doesn't know them to help them along in life.
Oh I'm turning into a softie.

With no family to stay with, or who can look after her, and not wanting to be with her step mother and step sister 8 year old Lucy has gone into foster care. Luckily for Lucy she has been placed with wonderful and caring foster parents. Read this book and find out just what is going on in this little girls life and what these wonderful amazing foster carers do for this little girl and many other children the have cared for.


What an amazing couple they are.

The story of a girl who just wanted to go home and live with her family but was seemingly unwanted. This story is written with such love and compassion and it stirred my soul and broke my heart. I felt that i just wanted to reach out to this little girl and wrap my arms around her. Her story made me sad that families can turn their backs on each other. I felt sad that Lucy's family, particularly the dad she so obviously loved, missed out on her childhood Life is so short and family so important. She was a lucky girl to have been put with such caring foster parents and I take my hat off to them.. A stirring read.

I admire foster careers and the huge service they do to help a child in their difficult journey in life when things go wrong.
My aunt used to foster for many years so I’ve a little insight of the troubles, the difficulties and rewards. Although, not first hand.

This little girl through no fault of her own finds herself in the care of Social Services. Her Mother went off, her Stepmother isn’t nice to her and that gradually comes to light.

Her Grandmother tried her best to look after her but she’s old, regrettably she had to ask for Social Services help.

Lucy finds herself away from her father who she dotes on. I could feel the love from Lucy coming through the pages. And although In the book he’s discribed in a sort of kind way, I disliked him immensely.

Angela and her husband have been fostering for many years and have a vast amount of experience. It shines through enormously the way the are with Lucy, helping her, bit by bit adjusting her unhappy thoughts, comforting her.

Each time she spoke to her father my heart broke for her. Lucy hides things well and Angela could see the pain and anguish she was going through.

All she wanted was to belong, belong to her Dad.

I couldn’t help but compare this to Cathy Glass so is another foster carers books I read.

Get the tissues because this is well and truly a tearjerker.

I’m not telling you the ending.

I received my copy from the publisher and enjoyed my experience in meeting Angela, Johnathan her husband and Lucy.

A truly brilliant, moving true story. One that honestly touched me and I won't forget it for a long time!! I would definitely recommend it.

The Girl Who Wanted To Belong is about a little girl, just 8 years a old who is constantly being let down by her family, luckily for Angela Hart who fostered her was there for her and provided the love and care she desperately needed, I enjoyed every minute of this book and so happy there was a happy ending.

This is the true story of a young girl put in to foster care as her fathers partner basically didn’t want her living with them, despite other children being allowed to stay. Because of the way she was treated Lucy was quite a troubled child but her foster parents did an amazing job with her. These stories always make me feel grateful for my life. A very good story

This book strongly resonates with me. I'll explain first that I was in Care in the 1940's for twenty-one years. For fourteen years I was fostered by a couple in their mid-fifties. My foster mum was harsh, controlling and neurotic. She would be prosecuted for her dire punishments nowadays. I was absolutely terrified of her. My foster parents also quarrelled all the time. Like Dean, my foster father wouldn't stand up against my mum's vitriol. Nonetheless, they gave me a good home with my basic needs met and opportunities I wouldn't have had if I'd stayed with my birth family, but it was devoid of the love, approval and understanding I needed. After reading your book, I felt envious and wished I'd had a loving, sensible foster mum like Angela. During my college holidays, I worked as an "Aunty" in foster homes and also did the rounds with the NSPCC Officer on Friday nights. For thirty years on and off I was a Primary School teacher including special needs teaching. Later I worked with adults with special needs and also trained care and social workers. In the present day, I have been married forty-eight years with three daughters, and I have six grandchildren. One of my grandsons has Aspergers, so I understand the difficulties attached to SEN and CAMHS. My other daughter has been a foster mum for three years. Child E is fifteen now, and she's had similar contact problems as Lucy. Now she's old enough to refuse contact with her family. I shall edit out this personal data for the review on social media after publication.

This is a well-documented account of how experienced foster parents, Angela and Jonathan take Lucy ostensibly temporarily into their home. There is so much warmth, compassion, selflessness and understanding in Angela's approach to fostering Lucy with commendable support from Jonathan. Angela knows from experience that eight-year-old Lucy comes with a history which is sketchily drawn up and there is the possibility of emotional baggage. Often records are inaccurate or written by a jaundiced ex-carer or family member. Lucy is a delightful child but she can be manipulative, and she's distinctly plausible. She idolises her father, Dean and desperately wants to have quality time at home with her daddy and her siblings. Sadly, Dean has brought a controlling, battleaxe female into the family called Wendy. There's a brick wall between Wendy and Lucy which ends in her removal from the family. Dean is disinclined to stand up against Wendy and does not engage in fighting from Lucy's corner. It's hard to believe he would sacrifice Lucy for this indomitable woman. This is the heartbreaking part. Angela is asked to support Lucy towards re-integration back into the family. Can she manage this challenge or are other forces working against her? Her problems start with trying to get Lucy into a local school. She needs special educational needs provision (SEN), but Angela is headed off time and time again by schools that are reluctant to admit a child who requires SEN support. There isn't the funding or the willingness. Angela exposes a huge hole of reluctance in the SEN funding in schools. They desperately need better funding in schools and specially qualified staff who know how to meet the needs of children like Lucy and many others. I liked how Angela carefully chose her moment and chose her battles when forced to discuss sensitive matters with Lucy. The book gives an excellent portrait of fostering. Every mother knows that children can be a challenge, but foster parents have to deal with social workers, birth parents, contact, meetings and problems with schools and endless training sessions. They have to be patient with agencies who would prefer to fob them off. The unfairness of Lucy's situation makes my blood boil. How will Angela and Jonathan cope with all these complications? Thank you to NetGalley and Bluebird publishers for such an eye-opening read. After publication, I shall post a revised review to Facebook, GoodReads, Amazon, Waterstones, Kobo, GoogleBooks and my two blogs.