A very gripping and emotional story! I loved this book very much! I also loved the emotional depth of the characters. A must read!!

“What’s it like?” Marsha asked. “Being a Mom?” Ginny felt her chest swell. “It’s amazing. It’s awful. It’s too much, and it’s too little. It makes me feel completely powerless.....but also more powerful than I’ve ever felt before.”
•
Never have I ever a read a more accurate, dead-on description of what Motherhood feels like. It’s ALL THE THINGS, all at once. •
This book dragged a little for me, but that passage came at me hard when I read it because it just 100% NAILS it. The author also does a great job of demonstrating just exactly how far a Mother will go to protect her child. It’s a fierce, instinctual love like nothing else on this planet.

“What’s it like,” Marsha asked. “Bein’ a mom?” Jenny felt her chest swell.
“It’s amazing. It’s awful. It’s too much and it’s too little.”

I had several favorite parts from Keeping Lucy by T. Greenwood, but this was definitely the one that hit hardest. Keeping Lucy was my second book from Greenwood, published by St. Martin's Press on August 6, 2019. I received my copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Ginny gives birth to Lucy in Dover, Massachusetts in 1969. She is devastated when Lucy is taken from her after they discover she has Downs Syndrome. Her husband Ab sends Lucy away to Willowridge, a school for the "special" children. He and the rest of his powerful and influential family try to convince her to move on, to forget her first daughter.

2 years later, Ginny's best friend Marsha shows her an expose on Willowridge. They are both appalled to see the filth and neglect the children have been suffering. Ginny packs her 6 year old son up, gets in the car with Marsha, and they drive to the school to see Lucy. When they see for themselves just how terrible Willowridge is, they take off across state lines, and Ginny becomes a fugitive.

Ab and his super controlling father are trying to prevent Ginny from keeping Lucy. For the first time in her life, Ginny will have to decide if she's strong enough to fight them for the right to keep her own sweet daughter.

Just a warning right off the bat----this book is heartbreaking. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll get ANGRY. You will feel all of the feelings. That being said, I loved this book. I didn't even care if it made me ugly cry. Greenwood knows exactly how to reach in and pull all of your heartstrings. The relationships are so complex and beautiful. Marsha is the type of friend everyone needs to have. She was so supportive when it came to helping take care of both of the children. She also helped Ginny realize that the things you truly value are worth fighting for.

I kept putting myself in Ginny's shoes, even though it was so devastating. The stress she feels in every single scenario feels so real. I could never imagine trying to decide between my daughter and my husband. I have asshole in-laws, so that part of the book wasn't too far out of my realm of possibility. Ginny's father-in-law was a monster, and it was so easy to hate him. Lucy was so sweet and loving, despite all of the really TERRIBLE things that happened to her. I know there are people in the world who think that kids with deformities aren't worthy of love, but I'm certainly not one of them. Neither was Ginny.

The ending of this book was truly beautiful. It stayed with me for the remainder of the day. Parts of it were hard to read, but worth seeing all of the love Marsha and Ginny had for these sweet children. This was an easy 5-star rating for me. I will gladly volunteer to let T. Greenwood rip my heart out time and time again with her beautiful and gut-wrenching stories.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars

Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down. It moves with the speed of a runaway locomotive.

You will be appalled at how supposed doctors and nurses treated the little HUMAN beings they were entrusted to care for and love. I can’t wrap my head around how a nurse with children of her own could watch a child drink water out of a toilet and say, “Oh, she’s just being difficult.” Seriously?!?!?!

Whether you understand the precious world of special needs or not you will understand the horrors experienced at Willowridge. I would have kidnapped my child and did exactly what Ginny did. Do I understand why she let her father-in-law and husband make the initial decision to begin with? No, but I was raised in a different time with parents who taught me to stand up for myself and make my own decisions.

Keeping Lucy is a work of fiction based on a true story that will have you cheering Ginny all the while making you think about “what would I do.”

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

Keeping Lucy was a mesmerizing novel! I enjoyed the way that the mother's battle to do the right thing was portrayed. Ginny gave birth to her second child, Lucy, two years ago. Her husband and his family felt that it was best to let the child stay at an institution because she was born with Down Syndrome, He keeps putting Ginny off when she wants to go visit her daughter until two years have gone by. Then Ginny's friend Marsha shows up and tells her that there have been accusations made that the institution is being charged with not taking care of the children properly. Marsha helps Ginny take Lucy out for a visit for the weekend. When Ginny realizes how bad Lucy was treated, the women take off out of state with Lucy and Ginny becomes more and more determined to never take her back to the institution. Ginny hopes her husband will help her but he is standing by his parents' advice that they give the child up. Ginny had her baby in 1969 in a time when women were treated differently and they were expected to behave differently. What Lucy experienced and what Ginny and Marsha go through while they flee was heartbreaking. I couldn't stop reading. I was hoping for the best, but at the same time expecting something terrible to happen.

(Trigger warning for mamas, mamas-to-be, and people who are sensitive to the abuse and neglect of children.) This is the story of little Lucy, born with Down's Syndrome in the late 60s, who, at the insistence of the doctors, was immediately taken from her family and placed in a home for special needs children. For the next two years, we follow Ginny, Lucy's grieving mother, who is forced to act as if her daughter had died instead of what actually happened. It's only when Ginny's friend shows her newspaper articles about the case of neglect that is being brought against this facility that Ginny decides to act on her daughter's behalf. I thought this book was atrocious, and at only about 25% in, I had to put it away. Not only did Ginny's initial acceptance of her daughter's fate bother me, but the gruesome details about the neglect that Lucy had endured was too great for me to read. *Advance copy provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Keeping Lucy was an enchanting story of a family trying to find themselves. Lucy, who has down syndrome, is the catalyst for all of this change. Having a sister with disabilities myself I couldn't help but reflect on what my family's life would have been like if she had born in the late 60's or early 70s. This book was wonderful and I highly recommend it.

In the late 1960’s, Ginny is eager to invite her second child into the world. After going into an early labor, Ginny gives birth to a beautiful baby girl, Lucy. Anticipating the first look at her child, the doctors and nurses act indifferent toward the newborn. Born with Down Syndrome, Lucy’s arrival is treated like a curse. Ginny’s husband and powerful lawyer father believe giving Lucy to Willowridge School is the best choice for everyone. Grieving the loss of her daughter, Ginny tries to continue a life with her loss. Two years later, news of Lucy’s school brings Ginny down the path to determine if her daughter is safe.

I was enthralled by this story from the very first page. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. I had to know whether Ginny would be reunited with her daughter, and whether Lucy would be given the same humanity that she deserves. This book is filled with emotion. I found myself hurting for Ginny, the unimaginable pain of losing a child, while not knowing who is caring for her or how she is being treated.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.

How difficult would it be for you to give up a child because of mental disabilities and health issues? And then how much would you be willing to give up in order to save this child?

This was a very moving book that will have you holding your breath waiting to see what will happen when you turn the next page. The author does a great job of bringing you into the story and having you emotionally invested in how things will end up by the time you turn the last page and close the book.

What a roller coaster ride of angst, fear, love, anger, hope, and strength. Once you've finished the book, the emotions you experienced will stay with you long after the book has been closed and set to the side. You will have to wait a while before you can even think about opening another book.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you for the advanced copy of this book. My reviews can be read on my GoodReads account here: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1335387-kelly

I just adore everything that T. Greenwood writes.

Keeping Lucy tugged at my heart from the first page until the last. The writing is poignant and there is so much emotion in every page.

This is a wonderful family drama and Ginny had to struggle through some serious setbacks and make hard decisions to really find herself. She is far from perfect, but that is why she is so relateable as a protagonist.

The pace of the story is pretty slow, but I think that is what makes it so enjoyable, despite the tough subject matter.

Greenwood is an automatic-buy author for me. Her first book was amazing and this one is just as compulsively readable. While the subject is heart-wrenching—a newborn with Downs is stolen from her mom and committed to a “school”—Greenwood writes beautiful my of a mother’s love. The ending was a bit tidy, but I loved it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #netgalley

This is actually a really good book. The story is set in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s in the suburban area of Massachusetts. Virginia and her husband Ab who are parents to one 4 year old boy prepare to welcome a new baby. The happy family they envisioned is soon crushed when the new baby is born and discovered to have Down Syndrome. As Virginia lay in a drug induced state, recovering from the delivery, her husband and the doctors make a decision to have the baby girl sent to a special “school” designed to care for people with disabilities. Assuming they made the best choice for the baby girl Virginia attempts to carry on a normal life. Though her daughter is never far from her thoughts. 2 years pass and A friend of Virginia’s brings her a series of newspaper articles that have run an investigative expose on Willowridge academy, the current home of her almost 2 year old daughter Lucy. Faced with the nightmare of the truth Virginia travels to Willowridge to see her daughter. The little girl that Virginia meets presents with every symptom of abuse and neglect imaginable. Faced with the horror of the truth, it becomes Virginia against the world as she makes every attempt she can to save her daughter, irregardless of what the world may think of a child with Down Syndrome.
As a mom of two children I can sympathize with the position that Virginia takes in defense of her child. She takes on the world to save her daughter and I can only imagine any parent would do the same. This story is a rollercoaster of ups and downs and the different characters ring true with people I’ve known in my life. The best part is, it has a happy ending. Strongly recommended..

This is my first book by this author and I appreciate the heartfelt storyline. This is not a topic that is often talked about so kudos to the author for that.

However, because of the subject matter, my expectations were different then what he book actually delivered. The book felt more like a Thelma and Louise story vs. a Lucy story. Having a trisomy 21 child didn't feel like the focus of the book.

Lucy is just an instrument to lead the story into women's roles in the late 60's - their stereotypical ones with their lack of autonomy (Ginny), and the rebellious ones, in rejecting that status-quo (Marsha). And while part of it seemed too pat -- Marsha just happen to have a lesbian relative that they visit, the steps that each of the women took to greater freedom seemed realistic.

The book kept me turning the pages. There were some pleasant surprises and some touching moments, like when a law enforcement officer shared his experience with the medical community. And the final resolution was moving and rewarding.

So while the book didn't meet my expectations in the telling of Lucy's story, it is a worthwhile read. It shows how far we come in the treatment of children that aren't considered perfect. It also illustrates women's struggles to stick up for themselves.

Keeping Lucy by T. Greenwood is a beautiful story of a mother's love for her child and just how far she will go to protect that child. This book takes place in the late 60s in a wealthy family with a baby born with Down's Syndrome. This was a time children could be committed if they were born with disabilities. In reading this book, you will be disgusted by how some would dare to treat children, the atrocities were downright horrible. I felt so much love toward little Lucy, what a precious baby. I can only read in the morning when I am blowdrying my hair and also at night before falling asleep, therefore since I can't be late for work each day, I ended up staying up super late a couple of nights to finish and find out what happened with Ginny, Lucy, Ab, Peyton, and Marsha.

T. Greenwood is such a phenomenal writer. She blew me away with Rust & Stardust, and Keeping Lucy also captivated me from start to finish. With yet another story with gorgeous, gut-wrenching prose and a plot that keeps you flipping the pages, Greenwood is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

In only took a few pages for me to know that this was going to be a good but emotional read!

Ginny and Ab are elated to be adding another child to their growing family. Lucy was born in 1969 with mongoloid and to Ginny’s dismay, they were advised by their doctor to send her away. He pressed the importance that Lucy should be in a special school that will care for her given her condition.

I had so many feelings running through my head while reading this book. At times I was deeply saddened by Lucy’s storyline. It is sickening what this sweet little girl went through. I had moments of joy watching Ginny find her voice and becoming empowered. She was taking control, using her head, and listening to her heart.
I was about 30% into this book when I woke up one night and started thinking about this story. I pondered what would I do if I were in Ginny’s position. This speaks volumes to the power of this story, it is very unusual for me to wake up thinking about my current read. It got in my head and would not let go!

Reading about the mindset of people in the 1970’s, in reference to those with disabilities, was very disheartening and extremely disrespectful. As a society I think we have come a long way, but we can always do better!

Then there is Marsha, Ginny’s best friend. What an amazing best friend, we all need a friend like Marsha! Her love for Ginny never wavered and she was there for her no matter what!

In the end Ginny, in my opinion, made some questionable decisions, but her determination, love, and transformation were amazing!

4.5*
Last year I read T. Greenwood’s release, Rust and Stardust, and thoroughly loved it. After seeing her latest release I couldn’t wait to read it! And yes, once again that magic is there for you to devour!

While giving birth to her second child, Ginny quickly realizes something is very wrong. From the nurses to the doctor…averted eyes, hushed tones. Why won’t anyone let her see her daughter?
Ginny’s husband arranges for their newborn baby Lucy to be cared for in a full time live-in school. He insists it’s best to put Lucy behind them and move forward for the sake of their existing family. How can you do that? Certainly Ginny can’t......

“A body forgets, but the heart remembers.”

This is a story of a mother’s unbreakable love for her child. A love so boundless she’s willing to risk her own freedom to do what’s right for her daughter.

T. Greenwood composes a beautiful and captivating story that will tug deeply on your heartstrings. There are eye opening moments that will shock you and leave you horrified at how cruelly society treated those who were born with ailments that they deemed unacceptable.

A wonderful buddy read with Susanne that will certainly stay with us both!💜

Thank you NetGalley, Jordan Hanley at St. Martin’s Press and T. Greenwood for this amazing book!

This is the story of a woman whose choices have been taken away from her most of her married life, and how much she'll take before claiming her own life again. A mother's love is powerful stuff, and this will definitely tug at your heartstrings.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the eARC. This will be posted on Goodreads and to Amazon's and Barnes & Noble's websites.

This was the first book I read by this author and I plan to read others. After giving birth to baby Lucy with Down’s Syndrome, Ginny feels she has no choice but allow her to be taken to a “school” that is supposed to be equipped in caring for her. Her husband Ab and Ab’s father convince her this is for the best and she should act as if Lucy died. Ginny has no say and is powerless. After learning the facility has less than sanitary conditions and is understaffed and neglecting children, Ginny sets off to see for herself. She takes Lucy from the institution and sets off on an adventure with her son and her best friend in tow.

The story reads quickly and with urgency to keep you turning pages. I really enjoyed the story and how it ended. Some events in the story seemed a little unlikely but still kept me entertained. Overall, great read. I would definitely recommend!

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.