A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A USA TODAY BESTSELLER A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLER A NATIONAL INDIEBOUND BESTSELLER An unforgettable novel by Kristina McMorris, inspired by a stunning piece of history. 2 CHILDREN FOR SALEThe sign is a last resort. It sits on a farmhouse porch in 1931, but could be found anywhere in an era of breadlines, bank runs and broken dreams. It could have been written by … era of breadlines, bank runs and broken dreams. It could have been written by any mother facing impossible choices.
For struggling reporter Ellis Reed, the gut-wrenching scene evokes memories of his family’s dark past. He snaps a photograph of the children, not meant for publication. But when it leads to his big break, the consequences are more devastating than he ever imagined.
For struggling reporter Ellis Reed, the gut-wrenching scene evokes memories of his family’s dark past. He snaps a photograph of the children, not meant for publication. But when it leads to his big break, the consequences are more devastating than he ever imagined.
Inspired by an actual newspaper photograph that stunned the nation, Sold on a Monday is a powerful novel of love, redemption, and the unexpected paths that bring us home.
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A little slow to get going, but once I got in to it, I enjoyed the story. Made me take a historical look at the Great Depression
A look into the lives of those during the depression and their need to survive their personal struggles. Time becomes a healing factor.
Interesting. Based on a real picture. Historical fiction readers will enjoy this.
I could not put it down.
This made me aware if things I had never thought about. The author did a wonderful job of weaving a story line into the history of a difficult time in our country .
What an emotional and moving read! One can only imagine what it would be like to experience the Depression era. This book was an opportunity to take a step back in time. It can be so hard to know what it was like during such a horrible time but this story opens your eyes and pulls at your heartstrings. A gripping read for your cabin getaway.
Very interesting. Historical novel.
Great book ! Finished in 2 days.
I couldn’t finish this book…too sad a reminder of my childhood. How little people know.
Gripping. You really cared about the children and were drawn into that period of our history when people couldn’t support their families.
At first, I thought this story was going to be about a sign “4 kids for sale” which was so wrong in so many ways. But I was doing some research on child abuse in the 1920s starting with Before We Were Yours and Orphan Train and thought this story was another angle. It seemed to be a quick read but a couple of chapters in and the story took a complete 180 degree turn, then another turn and now I’m irritated and just want to know the point-as in who is the main character and what is she or he doing or going. But I’m still reading, which kind of surprised me given I have no clue what all these characters are up to. Clever author. So I’m reading at midnight and then 2 AM. Crazy, I have to finish the story and get everyone somewhere so I can get some sleep. The next day I zombie my way though, rush home, eat leftovers for dinner, and finally put the book to bed.
That said, I highly recommend this “sleeper”. It was much better than I had thought at the beginning. Fun I didn’t expect, and some ideas for my research. A worthy read by a creative author.
I almost passed on this book by because I was afraid it would break my heart. The picture alone was quite heartbreaking all on its own to me.
Reading this book really did stir the emotions and people were just trying to survive. I remember my grandmother telling me stories of what some of those times were like and it left a lifelong impact on her. Not all of it was bad but people who did survive those times later learned to continually be frugal.
There is also the emotional story of not only Ellis but also Lily who is a gofer/do it all secretary to the Editor. Her duties are many. But it’s the story of her personal life that add to the book. Ellis is not the only one who is struggling over a hidden truth.
Some of the emotion that the author draws you into is the desperation of the times. That is so well done, in pretty good detailed ways. Both Ellis and Lily both lived in fear of losing their jobs, it was something that they just couldn’t have happen. They both had other dreams but it so many times had to be put aside for what they hoped was a later time.
The newsroom competitions felt like a pretty good representation of what I think they were like. A dog-eat-dog atmosphere.
I really liked both Ellis and Lily, whose personal life stories gave the reader a good look into what drove them. Clayton was another person who figures into the story. Him, I didn’t like quite so much although he did have some good qualities as well. He just seemed kind of selfish to me. Of course, there is a Newsroom romance for Lily which tries to pull her between two men.
I’m so glad I keep reading the book although once or twice I wanted to put it down. Closer to 60% later in the book things just exploded! It really got exciting! Twists, turns, surprises, secrets, personalities, lies, and dangers went off the charts. Things really did heat up and not just for Ellis and Lilly. The ending came with a bang and really good ending. So many things just weren’t what they seemed!
I liked the surprise of the Author’s Note, which was really good. So was the Discussion Questions and A Conversation with the Author. All three things added another depth to the story.
On another note..one of the promotions for this book said, “a picture is worth a thousand words but sometimes the story behind the picture is worth a thousand more”. Wow, did this author ever prove that!
“I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book via Netgalley and this is my honest opinions of it. ”
This story has left me breathless. Sold on a Monday is a thought-provoking, heartfelt journey.
Kristina McMorris’ writing is beautiful. She takes us on a journey of heartbreak, desperation, compassion, and hope that resonates deep within. The characters touch you. You feel everything they are experiencing and going through; their apprehensions, their pain, their fears, their hope. I loved Lily and Ellis’ perseverance, fight, and passion. I felt as though I was right there with them through it all. There were turns of events that were unexpected and heartbreaking. My heart was racing, and I couldn’t wait to see how everything was going to work out.
I was completely immersed in this story from start to end. This powerful, heartfelt story that started with a picture, is one that won’t be forgotten.
This story came about when the author came upon and old photograph in a newspaper, which showed children next to a sign saying that they were for sale.
This story set in 1931 in Philadelphia and New York City , where the main characters are newspaper reporter Ellis Reed and newspaper secretary Lillian Palmer.
Ellis while out on assignments, would take photos of things that caught his eye not related to his news stories. Ellis developed some of the photos which he had taken for himself, which he had hanging in the darkroom,
When Lillian went into the darkroom for some photos for her boss, she saw a picture Ellis had taken of two boys sitting on a porch with a sign near them, saying children for sale. She thought she would do him a favor and put it in the stack of photos which she was taking to their boss.
Well this set the tone for the rest of the book. A mystery finding out what might have happened to the boys, a friendship and possibly more for Ellis and Lillian, and a look into each of their past and how it made them who they were today.
Wonderful characters with a lot of issues of their own,but coming together to solve this story of why, someone would sell their children.
I look forward to other stories by this author,
I would like to thank NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC of this books
Very much fiction, but, a good book centered around the extremely poor living conditions during the depression, creating a crisis in some families driving them to give up their children. Story is sad but with a good ending.
If you enjoy Historical fiction.This book will take you on a journey.
I really enjoyed this easy read. It has a great ending and is exciting to read keeping you turning the pages.
I have to admit that I had not read a book by Kristina McMorris before I read this one. And an even bigger confession would be that I’ve never thought of myself as a fan of historical fiction. Lately, I’ve happened to find several historical stories that have appealed to me and I’m thinking I may have found a whole new genre to explore.
After reading Sold on a Monday, I am now of fan of both Kristina and historical fiction. I’m guessing the genre doesn’t matter when it’s a interesting story, written by a talented author who is able to do wonderful things with words.
This story captured my attention from the start. How could it not, when you read the phrase ‘2 Children for Sale’? That’s just unfathomable to think about. The author weaves a wonderful tale, full of great characters and eye-opening descriptions of the hard times of those years of the 30’s.
I found myself completely swept up in the story towards the end of the book and honestly stayed up way too late just so I could find out how it ended. I couldn’t leave the characters hanging in my thoughts, I just had to finish it!
Thanks for the wonderful story, Kristina!
After reading an excerpt from Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris my interest was caught and I requested the ARC. First, there was the setting, 1931 Philadelphia. The main characters work for a Philadelphia newspaper. And most of all, that opening scene when Ellis Reed notices the sign “2 children for sale” next to young brothers.
With vivid descriptions and great characterization, the story takes readers into the harsh realities of the Depression, a time when a widowed and ailing mother is pushed to a desperate choice, hoping to provide for her children.
The story is a heart-breaker, with a touch of romance and a threat of prohibition era gangsters, and a whole lotta of reclamation for Ellis and Lily. I enjoyed this historical fiction read not only for its storytelling but also for its relevance to issues that we still face today: poverty, lack of affordable medical care, separation of families, human trafficking, mental illness, and journalistic standards.
McMorris was inspired by an actual 1948 photograph and the story of what happened to the children in the photo. Learn more about the book, read an interview with the author, and find a book club kit at the author’s website here.
I received a free ebook from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
I really enjoyed this book. The only thing I did not like is occasional profanity that was not necessary to emphasize a character’s reaction. I like the topic and the characters were nice people striving to do good in the midst of terrible circumstances and child abuse. I recommend it.