Book Review: One for the Murphys by Linda Mullaly Hunt

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Title: One for the Murphys
Author: Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Series: None - Stands Alone
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin)
Released: May 10, 2012
Website: http://www.lyndamullalyhunt.com/

Book Summary:

In the wake of heart-breaking betrayal, Carley Connors is thrust into foster care and left on the steps of the Murphys, a happy, bustling family.
Carley has thick walls and isn’t rattled easily, but this is a world she just doesn’t understand. A world that frightens her. So, she resists this side of life she’d believed did not exist with dinners around a table and a “zip your jacket, here’s your lunch” kind of mom.
However, with the help of her Broadway-obsessed and unpredictable friend, Toni, the Murphys do the impossible in showing Carley what it feels like to belong somewhere. But, when her mother wants her back, will she lose the only family that she has ever known? 

Well done! This one really tugged at my heart. Be sure you have a box of kleenex nearby!

Lynda did a fabulous job with this story. I laughed and cried while reading it. We get to see Carley's defenses come down as she is surrounded by people who truly care about and love her. The story didn't end how I thought it would but life is not a fairy tale so it was probably a realistic portrayal of what often happens to kids in the foster care system.

A touching story that shows that one person really can make a difference in the lives of others.  This is a middle grade read but has great cross-over appeal to an older audience.

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: From Author for review

Content: Clean