The hauntingly beautiful novel explores love, loss, and having the guts to start over. The emotional resonance of this book lingers with you throughout the quiet moments of your day, lasting long after you've turned the last page.

The story centres on a character struggling with the weight of her past while trying to carve out a future for herself. Hadley handles heavy themes with incredible sensitivity, creating a story that is raw, honest, and deeply moving.

The writing is lyrical, almost poetic, but never feels overdone. Each sentence carries weight, drawing you into the character’s world and making you feel every ounce of her pain, hope, and eventual triumph. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, their stories connecting with the main story in ways that feel organic and meaningful.

While this is not a light read, it’s an important one. This book challenges you to confront the messy, complicated nature of life and love, offering a story that is both heart-wrenching and ultimately hopeful. Highly recommended for anyone who loves literary fiction that packs an emotional punch.

Thank you Netgalley, Lake union publishing and author Hadley Leggett for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

I read this a while back and I did not know what to write in the review. Sometimes you need a space to visit in your mind to word the reviews in the best ways possible. So here I'm.

Told through POV of three women, we get to know how women are judged harshly for everything they do. We, women do not have second chance when it comes to parenting. That is quite obvious from Hannah's story, the beginning of the book when Hannah loses her girls to CPS. Hannah is already struggling after loss of her husband, but she loves her girls Ivy and wren and wants them back.

I was sometimes pissed at Hannah myself, me being a mom but then I realised that sometimes things get out of the hands even when we try our best.

Elaine, Hannah's mother is one of the top and best lawyers and always failed to show her daughter that she mattered the most to her. Elaine focused on her career and how we judge women for doing that? I'm not an exception too. She wants to make amends through saving Hannah's girls.

Third comes Julie, Ivy and Wren's foster mom who falls in love with the girls. She wants what's best for girls and thinks their best would be with her

When I was reading the book, I kept thinking that I judged every single woman in the book and I call myself feminist. I felt ashamed. Why do we put so much on shoulders of women, when men are free to do whatever they please coz "men will be men?" This needs to change. Sooner the better.

Every character is flawed and that's what makes it too true to reality. Coz that's what we do, we make mistakes, we learn from them and we try to be better. Because we are human beings.

Every character here tries to be a better person and that's what matters in the end. And then the ending, although I feel that I would never be able to do what Hannah did. (No spoilers) I do understand that it was the best decision she could make for her girls. A broken person will break everyone around them, unless they fix themselves first.

One more thing I would like to mention is this is debut, an absolutely stunning one. I'm definitely gonna recommend it to everyone.

Wow, amazing emotional read, 3 women all wanting to love the same 2 children. I couldn't put this down. As a mum I resonated with each one of them and it was hard to know what was for the best. I can't wait to read more by this author

Determined to be a better mother than her own, Hannah has devoted her life to her daughters. She ignores her increasing exhaustion and isolation as a widowed mom—until a disastrous mistake lands the girls in foster care.

Julie is single and lonely and dreams of being a mother. After infertility issues lead her to foster parenting, she falls head over heels for Hannah’s daughters. The more she bonds with these sweet, precocious girls, the more she worries about their previous home life and becomes intent on finding a way to keep them.

Recently forced into retirement, Elaine is devastated by the way her daughter, Hannah, has shut her out. When she discovers her granddaughters are in foster care, she resolves to rescue them from the system: her one chance at a parenting do-over.

Each woman thinks she’s the best possible mother, but none understands the full truth. Old hurts, long-held secrets, and budding new relationships collide as they fight for the girls who could make them a family.

Loved it. Will recommend to others. Cannot wait to read more from the author.

*All They Ask Is Everything* by Hadley Leggett is a beautifully crafted, emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of motherhood, family, and the sacrifices women make for love. Through the intertwined stories of Hannah, Julie, and Elaine, Leggett masterfully explores the heart-wrenching choices and conflicting desires that arise when three women, each with their own deep wounds, fight for the same children.

The characters are rich and relatable, and the tension builds as secrets unravel and long-buried emotions come to light. Leggett’s prose is heartfelt, capturing both the fragility and strength of her characters. This novel is a poignant reflection on the different ways love manifests in motherhood and the idea that no one woman has all the answers, but together, they might just find a way forward.

This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories about family, resilience, and the messy, beautiful reality of life.

Most women who read this story will relate to at least one or more of the main characters. We have recently widowed young mother Hannah, trying to be strong and plow ahead as she attempts to care for her two young daughters alone. We have Julie, mid-thirties and single, craving motherhood while she fosters children who she wants to embrace and love yet knows it will only break her hear when they leave. And we have Elaine, also recently widowed, mother of Hannah, a woman who has (at least from Hannah's perspective) chosen her career over the years instead of her daughter.
This heartwrenching yet heartwarming story doesn't take the easy route. We see Hannah stumble, pick herself up again, and stumble again.
We see two young daughters, especially Wren, the seven-year-old, wise beyond her years as she tries to care for her little sister while trying to help her mom.
While I read, I kept thinking of how different things were for previous generations. Women usually had plenty of family in the same town (sometimes in the same house!) and a good support system to help out when things crumbled. Often, that's not the case today.
I cheered for Hannah throughout her struggles and bet you will too. This book pulls back the curtains to reveal the fine line between saving your family... and saving yourself.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this great debut story!

Smart. Timely. Honest. Messy. This perfectly executed debut novel will make you weep. And then weep for joy. Would translate well to the film.

All They Ask is Everything, the debut novel by Hadley Leggett, is the gripping, heart-wrenching story of two sisters and three women - each of whom believes that she should have the right to be their mother.

Hannah is Wren and Ivy's biological mother but, since her husband's unexpected death three years earlier, she has been drowning under the weight of grief and the unrelenting demands of single parenthood. When she makes a dangerous mistake one day, she faces a battle to prove that she is capable of caring for her children.

Julie, who has become a foster parent after years of longing for a child of her own, is quick to judge and condemn Hannah, unable to find an iota of compassion or understanding for the woman whose daughters she finds herself caring for. She hopes that Hannah will be declared an unfit mother, so that Julie might finally get to have the family she has dreamed of.

Elaine, Hannah's mother, is unsurprised that her headstrong, selfish daughter can't cope with her own children, but she'll be damned if they end up in foster care. She's determined to use whatever means necessary to bring her granddaughters home with her.

Each woman is written with nuance and empathy, given space to account for their shortcomings (or perceived shortcomings.) The reader comes to understand what drives each of them and the obstacles they have had to fight to overcome - or are still fighting against. Hannah's character is a devastating portrait of a mother caught up in the social care system; her love for her daughters and her desire to be the parent they need is never in doubt, but the author does not shy away from highlighting her indisputable failings. She is the incarnation of long-standing questions about the state's responsibility to support parents and children, and whether trauma and mental illness make you a bad parent, or just a good one desperately in need of help.

Leggett sensitively portrays the situation in Seattle's child protective services at a particular moment in time - the author's note clarifies that the events of the story take place in 2017 and 2018. She confronts the failings of a system which has since been extensively reformed whilst avoiding depicting those involved as heartless villains: the social worker and judge we meet are both clearly trying to do their best in an over-stretched, under-funded department which is terrified of giving parents the benefit of the doubt lest their decision has unthinkable consequences for the vulnerable children they are doing their best to protect.

Hannah contrasts markedly with Julie, who espouses a black and white view of what an abusive parent is like, and represents the unsettling reality that some would-be parents are motivated to foster with the sole intention of being able to take someone else's child for themselves. Of all the characters, it was Julie's growth that gladdened me most.

Elaine, Hannah's estranged mother, is a fascinating character. Working for years as a senior partner at a top law firm, she took on the traditionally male role of main breadwinner, but still had to shoulder all the expectations of what a mother should be and do. Elaine's storyline forces the reader to question whether it truly is possible to 'have it all', as women have been told for several generations now. Many readers will empathise with the expectation on Elaine - from her family, her work and society - that she will work like she doesn't have children and mother like she doesn't have a career. 'All They Ask is Everything' is a perfect title.

Each of the women is searching for, as Elaine eloquently puts it, 'that elusive, impossible balance.' Hannah can't prioritise her children's needs when her own basic needs aren't being met; Elaine is distant from her daughter because she wanted Hannah to grow up seeing her mother be more than 'just' a mother'; Julie must decide which she wants more - an uncomplicated life in which her choices are hers alone, or an all-consuming family. Every mother will be able to relate to at least one of these women, and most of us will probably see ourselves in all of them.

Each of the women's perspectives captures the reality of parenting young children with a rare accuracy: the love, the pride, the fear, the frustration, and the sense of utter physical, mental and emotional exhaustion which is the result of being someone else's constant, unwavering sanctuary. From the sweet sibling moments to the irrational tantrums, I recognised my own experience of raising two little girls and felt seen. For their part, Wren and Ivy feel like real children - with their own distinct personalities - in a way that many children in fiction do not achieve.

Hadley Leggett has accomplished something truly special in this captivating debut.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

I was blown away by Hadley’s beautiful writing and storytelling. This touching story is about three women at different stages of life who each have their own reasons for fighting for two little girls in the foster care system. Bring a tissue. Or two. As a mom myself this was a dagger to the heart- I could see the reasoning between all the women and it was hard to pick sides! Satisfying ending and I look forward to reading more from this author! Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Validating and such a cathartic read for a mom. I love books like this because they make me feel seen.

Wow, Hadley Leggett does such an incredible job of portraying the hardships of motherhood. What a stunning debut, I can't wait to see what's next from her.

A poignant tale of the struggles and resilience needed for motherhood.

Hannah is trying hard to be there for her kids, but she’s not making the cut. Meanwhile, Julie pines for kids and is thrilled when Hannah’s two little girls are placed in foster care with her. But Elaine, the kids’ grandmother, thinks they belong with family — specifically with her.

The author skillfully portrays three characters, each wanting the best for two little girls. But each character makes heartbreaking mistakes along the way.

A wonderful novel portraying complex relationships and imperfect characters, each trying to do the right thing. Would make a fabulous book club choice.

A testament to the power, joys, pain, and many types of motherhood.

I'm really really glad I decided to grab this powerful struggle about what it means to be a mother.
Those poor sweet girls! My heart really went out to them. They're so brave!
Grief can do many things to a person. Even those who are closest to you. It's a hard thing to deal with.
I've learned much from these 3 women.
I simply couldn't put this wonderful debut novel down. It has touched my heart and mind in many ways.
My own parents were foster parents. That's why this story touched me deeply. I've seen first hand how these sweet kids suffer and are fearful. One was just like Wren. And another like Ivy. This story brought back many memories.
This novel is a hands down page turner as the battles get fiercer and fiercer. The drama oh my I think my heart stopped a time or two.
Abuse can come in many forms. Not just actual physical contact either. Verbal abuse just as bad.
I didn't like Elaine at all. She reminds me quite a bit of my own mother in law. I found myself wanting to knock her out for the things she did and has done. Some people never learn.
But anyways I really enjoyed this story and feel like it would be a wonderful Hallmark movie.
I will be looking for more my this author. She has made me shake my head at times and shout at the characters at times.
Something I want to remind everyone
" Motherhood demands pieces of yourself Hannah would say
Your body, your solitude, at worst your mental health. All that giving and giving and giving
away can come at a cost, and one morning you might wake up to realize you’ve lost yourself
and can no longer mother at all."
Wow! Poor Hannah. I feel just like her sometimes.
Such a good story
And she goes on to say " make a different kind of sacrifice, by letting go of being the giver and the caretaker, and learning how to ask for help."
5 stars from me. This powerful debut novel will leave you thinking about this family long after the story is over. I still am. I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Well this freaking wrecked me!

This is a story about what it means to be a mother. Three women are bonded together by two young girls, Wren and Ivy. Hannah, their biological mother, is struggling with grief and depression. A terrible lapse in judgement results in her daughters being put into protective custody. Soon Julie, a woman who wants a child more than anything, becomes Wren and Ivy’s foster mother and feels an instant bond with the two kids. Elaine, Hannah’s mother, is estranged from her daughter and wants to reconnect with her grandchildren after a year of silence. As the three women struggle with their own emotions and loss the question of where Wren and Ivy should be becomes harder to answer. Hannah is desperate to have them back, Julie is positive they should be with her, and Elaine is terrified of losing the last members of her family.

This story is so emotionally rich. There are pockets of such unfiltered joy and humor, there are lows that will bring tears to your eyes and make you gasp. I felt myself feeling all of the feelings with this own. Not all of the characters are likable, but they’re all very relatable.

What a dynamic debut.

This debut novel by Hadley Leggett focuses on two young girls Wren and Ivy.
The story is told in three viewpoints of the women who are fighting for custody of them. We gain insight into the foster card and child protective services systems and how each of these women want what is best for Wren and Ivy. And how each of these women are fighting to be the one that raises the girls.

Thank you to NetGalley for this advance review copy. All opinions are my own.

“Motherhood demands pieces of yourself…your body, your solitude, at worst your mental health. All that giving, and giving, and giving away can come at a cost, and one morning you might wake up to realize you’ve lost yourself and can no longer mother at all.”

I really, really liked this book. This book really explores motherhood and the ways it can change you (both for the better and worse) in such an insightful way. I think any mother can find themselves able to relate to Hannah in one way or another. I loved that the children in the book had such great personalities, and they weren’t just a background part of the book. I found myself rooting for both Julie and Hannah throughout the book.

Most importantly- I LOVED the overall message at the end of the book. Don’t want to spoil it, but I think it is such an important one for mamas to remember ♥️

I found this debut book from another booksta friend. The topic of fostering has been something of a soft spot for me since before I was a mother. It’s something inside of me that was the same as Julie…. I knew I always wanted to be a mom… just didn’t realize how hard it would to become one, and be one.

This story tackles 2 intersecting storylines. One is Julie, a single foster mother who desperately wants to be a mom but hasn’t yet become one. Being part of the fostering community has been the dream for her to become a parent but she never thought she would have to watch after 2 young girls… and eventually fall in love with them.

The other story is Hannah. A devoted and loving mother… but one who is battling depression and anger. The loss of her father and husband has built a wall of grief up in her that allows for her two young girls to be … neglected.

Now before your assumptions or judgement kicks in; I want to say that your lens on this story… that and if you are already a parent.. may cloud which woman you judge more harshly.

For me, I wanted to wrap them both up. And then help them find their strength again.

The reality is that this novel may be fiction but a hell of a lot of stories out there with similar threads. The writing was decent for a debut but the emotional punch was where you’ll find readers giving this a 5 star.

Bottom line is, I don’t care if the writing wasn’t as smooth as an experienced author because the author kind-of reminds me of an early book by the famed Jodi Picoult. What do i mean.., well… this novel opens your eyes and snaps the judgement you may have back into place.

i love books that dig deep. bravo to the author. i have no doubt itll affect many.

this is a debut novel, three women are fighting for custody of the same two little girls. very good story.

What a great debut novel for Hadley Leggett. This was such an emotional rollercoaster for the three female characters. All three of the women were fighting for custody of two young girls. Incredible portray of the different types of motherhood. There are some heavy themes, but I feel they were well handled by the author. I really enjoyed this novel. I would highly recommend it to all.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this advanced copy.

“All They Ask is Everything is the delightful debut novel of Hadley Leggett.

The heart of this novel centers around two young sisters, Wren and Ivy, and the three women battle who for custody of these girls. The girls’ mom, Hannah, lost the girls to CPS and desperately wants them back but stubbornly fails to listen to reason. Meanwhile, her mother, Elaine, didn’t do everything she should have when raising Hannah and seeks a second chance with Wren and Ivy. Finally, the girls’ foster mother, Julie, quickly falls in love with the girls and believes her salvation might come about by raising them herself.

The author does a brilliant job in capturing the voices of these three individuals. Each of these woman is wonderfully flawed but so identifiable. I have never been a mom, only an aunt, but I really empathized with each of these women. While parts of this story are sad, I assure you that moments will also bring you hope.

Five out of five stars.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and Net Galley for a chance to read this book.