I hope you’re happy!  I can’t tell you how many times I uttered these words while reading this book.  While Ellis Reed slowly climbs up his career ladder, the rungs that he has been using, are slowly falling apart.  The year is 1931 and times are tough all around, as families struggle to stay afloat during the Great Depression.  The uncertainty of their future had some desperate individuals searching for ways to survive another day while Ellis Reed was looking for something more.

As a journalist, Ellis is searching for his “big break” as his rise to fame wasn’t coming fast enough for him.  Armed with his camera and his knack for writing, Reed discovers his “big break” but unfortunately, things don’t go as planned.  Not thinking about the repercussions of his actions, he takes a short-cut to secure his “big break,” which in turn, escalates matters. It’s not only Ellis who feels the impact of this fallout, but those he had dragged with him.  Ellis walks along a thin line as he tries to right his wrong as the clock ticks.

Images of the Great Depression flashed across my mind as I read this story.  The desperation and the difficult times that individuals experienced brought deep connections to what played out in this story.  I could understand Ellis’ actions as he strives to make a name for himself and later in the story, where some of those desires came from.  I liked how as the story progressed, there were some surprises.  A great story, I can see why this book is popular now.  4.5 stars

A big thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark, Kristina McMorris and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  #SoldOnAmonday #NetGalley

This book had such an interesting premise, I requested a copy from NetGalley. (thanks, NetGalley!) McMorris presents her story in the form of a complicated moral dilemma—where a seemingly well-intentioned act leads to unexpected challenges and life-changing results—playing out on a couple of different fronts. Ellis Read wanted to tell a story with his photograph, but when things got complicated, he made some ill-advised but understandable choices. The situation, while specific to his era, life and career, is still relatable; especially when choices made in an instant, reflexively, fail to consider long-term consequences. In a story brimming with untold secrets, life decisions are guided by personal experience and sometimes, unbridled ambition. Still, McMorris’ treats her characters with a care and sensitivity that is compelling, and ultimately, uplifting.

Not gonna lie here - I was extremely disappointed in this story.  I was on Amazon reading some reviews - all glowing about how this story "touched their heart" and "educational" about this time in history.  What?!  I didn't take any of that from this story.  It started out interestingly enough with a newspaper reporter (our hero?) snapping a photo of two little boys and a "For Sale" sign...  but then it turned into this sort of love triangle thing between  3 characters (none of whom I ever cared about), a "secret" past (give me a break!) and - oh yes, a mob connection!  Just my opinion here, but I felt like the author really didn't know which direction to take this story.  She went the wrong way for this reader.

This is a book club read for me - we will discuss it this month.  

And now, on to more enjoyable books!  

Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris is a story about a reporter, Ellis Reed, who sees a sign: 2 CHILDREN FOR SALE, and a secretary, Lillian Palmer, who sees a picture. 

This story went in an entirely different direction than I thought it was going to go. Though, it wasn't what I expected, it was still good. I loved Kristina's writing style of bringing the characters to life, and I envisioned life in the 30s and how bad it must have been for parents to sell their children. It was a very disturbing time in history that I hope never reoccurs in the future. Considering the book took a different turn than I was expecting, I'm glad for it. I don't know if I could have read a story primarily about families having to choose food over their children. This story turned out to be more about how one's decisions can affect other people, and finding one's true self.