One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt - Review & Giveaway

One for the Murphys 
by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

May 10, 2012 by Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin Group for Young Readers)

A moving debut novel about a foster child learning to open her heart to a family's love

Carley uses humor and street smarts to keep her emotional walls high and thick. But the day she becomes a foster child, and moves in with the Murphys, she's blindsided. This loving, bustling family shows Carley the stable family life she never thought existed, and she feels like an alien in their cookie-cutter-perfect household. Despite her resistance, the Murphys eventually show her what it feels like to belong--until her mother wants her back and Carley has to decide where and how to live. She's not really a Murphy, but the gifts they've given her have opened up a new future.

My Review:

Carley has just been released from the hospital and has to go stay with a foster family because her mother is still there. At first, we are not sure of the circumstances that put Carley and her mother in the hospital. However, it is obvious that Carley has not had the easiest childhood. For most of it, she had been raised by a single mom who isn't the most stable, caring person. Carley is expecting a foster family that is going to mistreat her, and she is caught by surprise when she meets the Murphys. Okay, so maybe not all of the Murphys are so excited that she is there at first. Carley is closed off emotionally and has a hard time trusting others, but she soon knows what it is like to be a part of a family who actually cares about each other. Just when Carley starts to feel as if she belongs, she learns that her mother is being released from the hospital and wants her back.

I loved One for the Murphys. Yes, it is sad. I cried throughout the entire ending of the book. However, it is so much more than just a sad story. It is a touching story of belonging, acceptance, love, hope, and what really defines a "family." Lynda Mullaly Hunt has done an outstanding job of portraying emotions and easily pulls you in. Carley was the perfect character. Even if she is a rude kid with a hard outer shell, she has a reason to be that way. You can easily understand her, relate to her, and feel for her. This kind of story could have easily felt like an "after school special" kind of thing, but it didn't. This isn't a fast-paced book either, but it doesn't matter because you are still engaged to the end. This is an amazing debut, and I look forward to reading future novels from Lynda. While it is geared toward middle grade/young adult, I think anyone from about 12 and up would enjoy One for the Murphys.

A copy was provided by the publisher for review.

About the author:

Lynda Mullaly Hunt is a former teacher and Scenario Writing coach. She is active in SCBWI-NE, where she is the Director of the annual Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat in Rhode Island. Besides reading and writing, Lynda enjoys juggling and watercolor painting--but not at the same time. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two kids, impetuous beagle, and beagle-loathing cat. She is now working on her next middle-grade novel.

You can find out more about Lynda on her website. 


Giveaway:
One winner will receive a *signed* copy of One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt.

How to enter:
Be a follower of Krazy Book Lady in whatever way you choose. Then fill out the form below. 

Additional optional entries:
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Giveaway details:
Giveaway is open US only. This giveaway will run until midnight EST on May 30th. Must be 13 or older to enter. Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Winner will be emailed, and this blog post will be updated to include the name of the winner. Winner has 3 days to contact me or a new winner will be selected.

Sorry! This giveaway is now over.

Winner: Heather P.