by Cathy Glass
First published 2023
Seven year old Damian arrives at foster carer Cathy Glass's home after being removed from his mother Rachel's care. Rachel loves Damian and his two siblings deeply, but her vulnerability and inexperience leave her unable to manage alone with three young children. Cathy works patiently with Damian to address his eating problems, hoping to prepare him for an eventual return to his family. She believes reunification remains possible until Rachel begins a relationship with Troy, a new boyfriend who changes everything. As Troy becomes more involved in Rachel's life, Cathy grows increasingly worried about what she observes. Her concerns deepen when she realizes that Damian and his siblings face serious threats to their safety. The story follows Cathy's efforts to protect the children while navigating a system that prioritizes family reunification, even when danger lurks close to home.
Genres: literary-fiction, abuse, contemporary, social-issues, foster-children, adoption, family-drama, foster-parents
Vibes: emotional, intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, social-issues
336 pages · Paperback · HarperElement
Content warnings: abuse, child-abuse, domestic-violence, physical-abuse