I Just Want to Be Loved

Casey is presented with a new foster child, 14-year-old Elise, who has a history of false accusations. Casey agrees to take her on long-term, but when she makes dark claims about her mum, Casey doesn't know whether to believe her.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Casey, a foster carer, welcomes a new child into her home: 14-year-old Elise, who was abandoned by her mother at a young age. Initially, Elise seems well-behaved, but soon she makes a false accusation against another carer, Jan, for acting inappropriately towards her. Unbeknownst to Casey, this is not the first time Elise has lied; she has a history of fabricating stories about bullying, sexual assault, and physical harm. Despite her reservations, Casey agrees to take Elise on a long-term basis, but when Elise makes disturbing claims about her mother, Casey is unsure whether to believe her. Determined to uncover the truth, Casey begins to investigate and uncovers a web of lies and deceit that extends far beyond Elise's own experiences.

As Casey delves deeper into the case, she discovers that Elise's mother, Lily, was a troubled woman who struggled with addiction and mental health issues. Lily had a history of neglecting her children and was often involved in abusive relationships. Casey also learns that Lily had been involved in a scandalous affair with a local politician, which had led to her being ostracized by the community.

Despite the revelations, Casey remains committed to helping Elise and provides her with the support and guidance she needs to overcome her past trauma. Over time, Elise begins to trust Casey and opens up about her experiences, including the abuse she suffered at the hands of her mother and the trauma of being abandoned. Casey works tirelessly to help Elise heal and rebuild her life, and she eventually finds a permanent home with a loving family.

Through her journey as a foster carer, Casey learns the importance of empathy, compassion, and the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds. She also realizes that sometimes the truth is not always easy to uncover, but it is always worth seeking out. Elise's story serves as a reminder that every child deserves a chance to thrive and that sometimes the most difficult challenges can lead to the greatest growth and healing.

Weight: 208g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008484859