Broken Lives

A Social Worker's Tale

by Teresa Devereux

Just like any other mother, Samantha Bushell adores her two little girls. After an unhappy childhood and tormented by her memories of abuse and neglect, Samantha’s life takes a downward spiral. With poor coping mechanisms and no-one to support her, alcohol becomes her only friend – and greatest enemy.

New to the social work team, April Gardiner tries to help Samantha take control of her life and hold on to her children, whilst also dealing with problems of her own. The two women form an unlikely bond after similar childhood experiences paved the way for the adults they ultimately became.

A moving and eye-opening tale of privilege, disadvantage, and overcoming adversity, Broken Lives is ultimately a story about two young women whose paths cross at difficult times in both of their lives. It provides an insight into the emotional rollercoaster of social work and the families they strive to help. Will April be able to help Samantha turn her life around, whilst also seeking to achieve her own personal goals?

Book Reviews

This story was bleak with bits of light shining through. Pretty true to a social worker’s experiences. I wish the ending had been resolved, but that is often the way these tales go. Well done.

by Lana

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

Samantha is a mom to two little girls who she absolutely adores. Samantha lacks the coping skills she needs, so she depends on alcohol to assist her.... which leads to social worker April Gardiner getting involved into her life. They form an unlikely bond due to their pasts/childhood experiences.

by Kade

Broken Lives was such a heartbreaking read that I had to stop reading for a few days. It was full of emotion and convincinly shows the true life of a social worker, which can be a very dark place. There was no beating about the bush with this, it was straight to the core but it did have some lighter moments. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep you intrigued. This was a very well written book.

by Jolene

About the Author

Teresa Devereux

Teresa was brought up in a mining village and was the fourth of six children. She loved school and had great fun, but didn't take life seriously or start studying until she was in her thirties and had two children. She has been married for 32 years and has three lovely grandchildren. Apart from writing and being with the grandchildren Teresa likes to spend her spare time playing tennis, gardening or socialising with friends.

Teresa has a degree in Psychology and Social Policy and qualified as a social worker in 2001. After eight years of working in a children and families team, she started working with disabled children, before becoming a manager. She now works part time as an Independent Reviewing Officer, chairing reviews for children who are in foster care. Her role is to ensure that the local authority is providing adequate care for the children and all their needs are being met. Teresa's political stance is towards social justice and equality of opportunities and she strongly believes that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.