RATING: 4 STARS
2019; St. Martin's Press

When I started this novel, I thought it would be more lighter than it was. This is not a romance, but about a love of a mother and her children. in 1969, Ginny gives birth to her second child, a daughter, and she has Down Syndrome. The doctor, her father-in-law and husband talk her into putting her daughter, Lucy into an institution. She assumed that they would care for her in a way she could not for her special needs. She constantly asks her husband to take her for a visit but he puts it off, writing their daughter out of their family Then one day, a few years later, Ginny's best friend, Marsha sees an article about the institution Lucy is in. It exposes the truth behind the place, and the cruelty inflicted on these children. Marsha and Ginny, along with her 6 year-old son drive down to see Lucy and soon find themselves on the run unsure of what to do next.

This one is a bit of tearjerker and also one that will make you angry, but it is such an important story. I was so angry with Ab's family, but mostly at Ab for not being able to stand up to them and be independent. I kind of wished Ginny had been stronger with Ab, but it seems like the time period had some play, but still. I really got into the story and the suspense. I really enjoyed the book and am definitely adding some of Greenwood's books on the tbr list.

***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

Another gripping, heart wrenching novel churned out by T. Greenwood. The thing about books like this, they are so raw and gritty that I can only stomach reading them in small doses. Not because they are bad, but because I cannot handle a lot of emotions all at once. Greenwood delves into these terrifying plots, and sucks you in with her writing style.

I personally didn't enjoy this story. That said, I know T. Greenwood does a great job retelling stories from the perspective of historic events or conditions that women faced. I enjoyed her other book "Rust and Stardust" since it was based on a true story but this one felt a little too unreal to me.

A terrific book not only about the horrible treatment of special needs children only a few decades ago, but also addressing sexism and classism. A period piece that reflects timeless issues.

Loved this book! It hit a little close to home for me as I grew up with a sister with CP. If I were in Ginny's shoes I'd do exactly the same as she did for her daughter. Thank you for the ARC, NetGalley.

I tried a good 40% of this book and I just couldn't get in to it. I actually found it really slow and not that exciting. I know I'm in the minority here because everyone else I know that's read it, loved it. I think I'm just not the right reader for this book. I'll definitely be trying more books from T. Greenwood, but I think I'll have to stop reading this one and move on to the next!

This story was one that I've not read about before. While I didn't know much going in, I was taken aback when realizing the truths behind the characters and story. What I thought would at least be a happy story, was actually a bit depressing but such an eye opening appreciation. I loved every second of this book. It was unique and unexpected.

Greenwood's best yet!

Greenwood has a way of fictionalizing real stories, bringing them to life. The characters come right off the page and the story, though heartbreaking, keeps the reader engaged to the bitter end.

Story: 4 stars
Character Development: 4 stars
Writing: 4 stars

This was such a powerful book for me. I love books that have characters with special needs- it hits my emotions on a personal level. In this one, the struggles the mother goes through to find, save, and protect her daughter with Down syndrome is a beautiful story, and one that had me crying. There is also an element of suspense that had me flipping the pages faster than I could have imagined I would. Definitely read this historical fiction, thriller that is character driven.

This story keeps you in his grip. A time when Down's Syndrome was gravely misunderstood, and one mama's determination to not let that destroy her family. Based on a true story and what a telling!

In the late 60s, Ginny was given no say in the institutionalization of her daughter who was born with Down Syndrome. When her friend informs her that her now 2-year-old is in a squalid existence, Ginny braves the world to rescue her daughter. Greenwood does a nice job of showing the obstacles a woman faced in her situation and time. There seems to be a bit of a credibility problem in the resolution in order to create a happy ending. If you love happy endings, great. If you prefer realistic storylines, maybe not so great, though the story overall is well-written with interesting, in not endearing, characters. I received this book from the publisher St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley.

Keeping Lucy grabbed me from the very first sentence and I was totally captivated by the characters and the story-line. This was a book that I didn't want to put down—I became that interested in what was happening and wanted only the best for them.

What happened to Ginny and her daughter when she was born was fairly common during the time period that this story takes place. Ginny's strength takes her on the fight of her life, for herself sure, but most of all for her daughter and other's like little Lucy. I was cheering loudly for Ginny and Lucy as they tried to take down the system.

This was a wonderful, heartwarming story that will definitely stick with me for along time. What a beautiful story demonstrating the power of love.

“ Keeping Lucy” was the first book that I’ve read by author T. Greenwood. I won’t get into the synopsis as that it readily available to read. I will say that this book told a very compelling story and pulled me in almost immediately. I love how it alternated between the past and the present. It took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I cried, I giggled, and more. That being said, I would have loved more Lucy. I plan to read more from this author in the future.

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

My nephew was born with Down's Syndrome 28 years ago and I can't imagine my life without him in it! Keeping Lucy is the story of one mother's struggle to keep her baby at home when the norm was institutionalizing Down's Syndrome babies. I love Tammy Greenwood's writing and her relatable characters.

How far would you go to protect your baby? Ginny is talked into putting her baby in an institution because she’s born with Down’s Syndrome. She finds out from a friend that the children are being mistreated so she finds a way to go try and save her child. While I feel like there is nothing anyone could say to make me do this to a child it’s a book so I’m open minded about it. This is a very sad, touching, story of what a mother goes through for her children. Keeping Lucy safe is what is important.

I cried many tears reading this book. It was beyond sad. It was heartbreaking. Things like this really happened back then and how anyone could mistreat a child is beyond me. It happens all to much though. I think this book was beautifully written and told so you felt what the characters felt. Even the ones you won’t like at all.

Thank you #NetGalley for this ARC. This is my own review.

I give it 4.5 stars and highly recommend it.

This was such a heartbreaking story. This one has special significance to me as there was a "school" or institution within an hour of my house that I visited when I was in Teacher's College, 1977. It was such a sad, dismal place. It closed in the 80s. I know it did not have the same issues at the "school" in this book, but to see all those people institutionalized, some that would have been able to function in society with some support, was heartbreaking.

It's 1969 and Ginny has just given birth to her second child, a baby girl with down syndrome. At birth, the doctor convinced Ginny's husband Abbott, aka Ab, that it would be best to send her to a "school" that knows how to deal with the medical and other issues that she, Lucy, will have. Before Ginny even knows it, Lucy is gone and she is told that it is best that they not go to see her. Over the next two years, life moves forward, with Ginny taking care of Ab and their son. Ginny does not forget about Lucy, like it seems the rest of the family has. It is 1971 and her best friend, Marsha brings to her attention, an expose about Willowridge that is in the papers. Ginny is upset and want to see Lucy. With Marsha's help, she gets a pass to take her for a weekend and they head off to Willowridge without telling Ab. What happens next is excruciating for Ginny. The report seems to be true. She can't return Lucy after her weekend, but what can she do? Can she go up against Abbott senior, who apparently was behind the move to Willowridge and supports the school.

I loved the characters of Ginny and Marsha. They were lifelong friends who supported each other, encourage one another and probably had gotten into trouble together throughout their lives. They were so well developed, they felt like people I knew. Ginny was the one who took the road everyone expected, Marsha was the one who got into trouble. She made mistakes when it came to men, almost like she was afraid to make a commitment to anyone. I loved that she was willing to give up everything for her friend. Even Ginny's son was real to me. He was six and had been told his sister was with the angels. He had been an only child all his life, so was quite put out when this child came along and took his mother's attention and affection. To be told she was his sister was not acceptable to him. I loved how he changed that view as the story went forward, not right away, but children tend to be more accepting and forgiving than adults. Ab made me angry. He would not listen to Ginny, he was a daddy's boy and would not stand up to him. Ginny made the decisions she needed to make without him. I do not want to spoil the story, so will not say much more. I will say that I was very satisfied with how this book ended.

The author had me at the first page and I did not stop until I finished. These schools/institutions were real. Doctors honestly believed they were doing the right thing in many cases. It is unfortunate that children born with Down's Syndrome were considered to be a blemish on families of a certain standing, but it happened. I read this in one day and definitely recommend it to anyone.

**4.5-stars**

When Ginny Richardson's second child, a girl named Lucy, is born with Down Syndrome, the baby is quickly whisked away from her. Not just to be placed in the NICU or given special care, literally taken away from her.

Her husband, Ab's, wealthy family decides immediately the child would be best dealt with by shipping it away to a 'special school' never to be thought of, or discussed, again.

Unfortunately, Ginny's in such a drug-induced state at the hospital, she doesn't even realize what is happening until it's too late.

With her baby gone, Ginny is forced to try to go forth like nothing ever happened, like there never was a baby.

For the next two years she goes on this way. In a deep state of depression, she feels like she is in a fog, with no idea of what to do to make her situation better.

When her best friend brings some newspaper articles to her attention that feature the 'school' at which Lucy has been committed, she cannot believe what she is seeing.

According to the journalist responsible for the expose, Willowridge is not a good place. It is as bad as can be with serious issues of neglect and even abuse; basically a hell on Earth.

Along with her friend, Marcia, Ginny decides to go see Lucy, to take her out for a visit, to judge for herself.

Once she sees the conditions of the school first hand, she knows there is no way she can ever bring Lucy back there.

What happens next is a road trip adventure spanning from Western Massachusetts all the way to Florida, with her best friend, her young son and the daughter she doesn't even know. At times touching, at times infuriating, this story dragged me in and wouldn't let go.

Wonderfully told, this captivating historical fiction novel, will have you wanting justice for Baby Lucy. This was my first book by T. Greenwood and I was definitely impressed. I look forward to picking up more books from her.

Thank you so much to the publisher, St. Martin's Press, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. I think this is an important story and I know a lot of readers will get so much from it. Well done.

Beautiful engaging story that really made me think. I very much enjoyed this book and would recommend.

I couldn't get invested in this one. It's a DNF for me. Thank you for the opportunity to be a reader & reviewer.

n this novel, in 1969 when Ginny's daughter is born with Down's syndrome, she is essentially given no choice and her daughter is taken away to be raised in an institution. The bulk of the book is set two years later, when Ginny finally starts fighting for her daughter, along with flashbacks to her earlier life before then. Very emotionally affecting. I've read 3 books by T. Greenwood and this one is my favorite one so far. I read the book in less than 24 hours and yet still every interruption of reading time by my life felt like too much, including staying up way too late reading because I had so much trouble putting it down.