Description from Amazon:
Parenting is hard. That’s what Edward Rosenberg has always assumed, although his only experience with children has been as the drunken uncle. Now the love of his life, Sam DaCosta, is yearning for fatherhood. Edward’s been sober for years. He and Sam are in a good place. Why rock the boat? On the other hand, how can he deny Sam his dream of a family? Then they meet Ginger. At twelve she’s been through more than either Edward or Sam can imagine. She’s seductive, secretive and dishonest. But somewhere between stealing his cash and alienating Sam, Ginger manages to wind herself into Edward’s heart. Can the three of them create a family? Or will Ginger blow them all apart?

Review:

What to say about Raising Wild Ginger? It is way out of my normal reading range. I’m generally a sci-fi/fantasy girl. But I agreed to read it because of the subject matter. Ginger is a severely abused foster child looking for a forever home. I spent a number of years working in the American child protective services, and I thought Woolpy’s story might be one I could turn a knowledgeable eye towards. I was right. Raising Wild Ginger highlights a number of subtle (and not so subtle) behaviours of prematurely sexualised children without ever quite slipping into After School Special, lesson mode. I do think that if all abused children were so easy to speak rationally to about their actions, there would be a lot fewer placement disruptions in the world, but as a work of fiction, it was perfectly acceptable.

Edward and Sam are a pleasure. Their desire and struggles to share their love with little Ginger is touching, while her ability to heal their own internal wounds tugs the heartstrings. It’s a reminder that sometimes, giving up selfish pursuits really can be the best thing you can do for yourself. (As I’m sure many AA members would attest). Similarly, Zach and Edward’s reactions to one another speak volumes on the subject of forgiveness.

All in all, Woolpy has created an enjoyable tale about the strength and healing power of forgiveness, love, and family. If you enjoy this genre of writing, I definitely suggest you check this one out.

I want to thank author Tara Woolpy for sending me a copy of the book.