I've long been wanting to try a book by this author, as I regularly see good reviews about her novels. I liked this book and thought it was well-written and the historical details well captured. It was a little too quiet and understated for my personal taste. The characters were all a bit too nice and I felt I would have connected with them on a deeper level if they had more flaws. I absolutely loved the fact that it was based on a real photo, and the details in the afterward about the children in this photo was very upsetting. I know that I am definitely in the minority here, and would like to try another book by her, so please let me know what your favorite is.

The Story: 2 CHILDREN FOR SALE. In 1931, near Philadelphia, ambitious reporter Ellis Reed photographs the gut-wrenching sign posted beside a pair of siblings on a farmhouse porch. With the help of newspaper secretary Lily Palmer, Ellis writes an article to accompany the photo. Capturing the hardships of American families during the Great Depression, the feature story generates national attention and Ellis's career skyrockets. But the piece also leads to consequences more devastating than he and Lily ever imagined -- and it will risk everything they value to unravel the mystery and set things right. Inspired by a newspaper photo that stunned readers throughout the country, Sold on a Monday is a powerful novel of ambition, redemption, love and family.

The cover starts the story without saying a word. What a heart wretching story. The type that pulls on your heart.

Well, "Sold on a Monday" starts out promisingly. By the second half, though, I was irritated and bored, and for the final quarter I was hate-reading. The quality of the writing seemed to devolve, the characters were cardboard, and the landscape was littered with cliches. While the hardships of the Depression seemed well limned in the beginning, by midway characters were boarding trains hither and yon with abandon. And the repeated extolling of the sanctity of birth mothers was like something out of the 1950s. I'm giving this two stars rather than one because, as a journalist and an adoptive parent (two occupations that come off horribly in this book) I may be biased... and because, sadly, it is not the worst book I've read.

This book grabbed me right from the cover. The unimaginable reality of the depression smacks you right in the face and pulls at your heart. I couldn't put it down!

An aspiring journalist takes a photo of questionable moral integrity, showing what the Great Depression has driven people to and it winds up being his big break. But when he returns to followup on it, he learns just how his photo and accompanying article has influenced the family in the photo and his niggling remorse over it turns into full blown regret and forces him to take a good, hard look at who he has become. Desperate to make things right, not only with the family, but also with his own parents and friends he has driven away, he embarks on a journey of atonement and self growth.

Based on a similar photo taken during the Depression, the subject matter seemed compelling. It was very well written with well developed characters, but I felt like the plot dragged a little bit. I enjoy a good slow paced book, but sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't and this time it was more the latter. It wasn't a bad read, but it was not as 'powerful' as I thought it was going to be, given the subject matter.

I think particularly because the actual photo (in the novel) that wound up being published was staged, the whole book felt too far removed from the real and gritty hardships and desperation of the Great Depression. It was really more about the journalist's remorse over staging the photo and what it winds up doing to the family. The story follows him and his love interest, neither of whom are particularly struggling all that much and don't embody the true depths of despair that time period evokes. I felt like this really could have been placed during almost any time period - the question of what some journalists will sometimes do for a good story and how they deal with those questionable ethics is something that isn't exclusive to the Great Depression. I'm not saying that such a topic isn't worthy of a novel, but this is not what I expected it to be, and therefore it lost it's impact on me.

Additionally, I have to say - the idea that Ellis knew how to pick a lock with hair pins just because he had "a father who preferred tinkering with machinery to conversation" seem ridiculously unrealistic and contrived for the sake of the plot. Maybe if Ellis had an uncle or such who was a locksmith, that would have been more believable, even if still a little contrived. But I just don't know how the author is making the connection between the two. This alone wouldn't be enough for me to dislike it, but it was so silly, I couldn't let it go unmentioned.

Advanced review copy from publisher via NetGalley. My opinions are my own

I received this book from NetGallery for a honest review.
The setting is during the Great Depression, 1931 and is a historical fiction novel. The book was inspired by a real photo which I found intriguing. The primary characters are Eli's Reed who is a journalist and Lilly Palmer, a editors assistant/secretary. I struggled to get through the first part of the book, then got got drawn back in which made me want to finish the book. I didn't like the romantic aspect.... I pretty much guessed right away what the outcome was going to be and turned out, I was right. There is a lot of mystery involved in the story and information about the Great Depression era.
This Is a new author to me and I will be looking forward to reading more books by her.
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This novel was inspired by a real life newspaper article and photograph of two grubby siblings huddled together on their humble doorstep and with a nearby roughly written sign plainly in view which read ‘2 children for sale’. It was from the times of the depression of the 1930’s when poor families were desperate and struggling through life as best they could. Kristina McMorris was fascinated by the original photograph and she envisaged the inkling of a possible story from behind the lens and made it her own.
In our story a similar haunting scene touched the heart of a newspaper reporter-photographer and brought back painful memories from his past. It was never meant to be published, but in a twist of fate it was and it caused a sensation. It was the photograph which changed Ellis Reed’s life forever and not at all for the good, although it did lead to much wanted promotion. It also caused him immeasurable heartache and guilt as he gradually felt compelled to piece together the story of the siblings, now parted from each other and their sick mother.
Once a colleague and fledgling friend, Secretary Lillian Palmer is also managing her life with great care. She is the guardian of secrets of her own and also feels guilty for the outcome and furore caused by Ellis and in part herself. Reunited in their efforts to make amends for their actions, they are drawn into a sad story about poverty, desperation, corruption and broken promises. Determined to put things right they go to the greatest of trouble to reunite a parted family not even knowing the possible cost to themselves. They feel compelled to put their misjudgements right. Their amateur investigations lead them to danger, renowned criminals and more than a few surprises.
I enjoyed reading this involving story about morality, loyalty, trust, friendship and family. Its historical links were really interesting and as the story developed I liked the two main characters more and more. They truly regretted their ‘meddling’ and their characters grew as their understanding of the human consequences of their combined actions were laid bare. I liked the raw portrayal of the newspaper offices and the feeling of peeping back in time to a lifestyle so different from the modern day. I loved the other settings as well and the deeply ingrained feeling of history. The story was beautifully told, underlining the thoughtless (though innocent) cost of human actions and their outcomes. I particularly liked the ending because it rounded off the story very well.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from publisher Sourcebook Landmark through my membership of NetGalley. Thank you for my copy sent in return for an honest and unbiased review. This story piqued my interest and was enjoyable and informative. I’m very glad that I had an opportunity to read it.

A picture is worth a thousand words, but sometimes the story behind the picture is worth a thousand more…

Philadelphia, 1931. A young, ambitious reporter named Ellis Reed photographs a pair of young siblings on the front porch of a farmhouse next to a sign: “2 children for sale.”

With the help of newspaper secretary Lily Palmer, Ellis writes an article to accompany the photo. Capturing the hardships of American families during the Great Depression, the feature story generates national attention and Ellis’s career skyrockets.

But the photograph also leads to consequences more devastating than ever imagined—and it will take jeopardizing everything Ellis and Lily value to unravel the mystery and set things right.

Inspired by an actual newspaper photo that stunned readers throughout the country, Sold on a Monday is a powerful novel of ambition, redemption, love, and family.

I had difficulty reading this book, as it is not my type of book. This book was okay until it got to the point where Ellis got hooked up with the mob. I tried, but was unable to get through this book. If there was a rating I would be allowed to do below 1, I would have done it. I was not impressed with this book and would not waste my time reading it.

Kristina McMorris is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling American author of five novels and two novellas. Inspired by true personal and historical accounts, her works of fiction have garnered more than twenty national literary awards, as well as a nomination for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, RWA's prestigious RITA Award, and a Goodreads Choice Award for Best Historical Fiction. To date, her publishers have included Kensington Books, Penguin Random House, Harper Collins, and Sourcebooks Landmark.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from NetGalley for this review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
When struggling journalist Ellis Reed sees two children at the side of the road wearing a sign stating simply CHILDREN FOR SALE he is immediately captivated by the children’s story. Soon he is photographing them and the picture quickly becomes front page news in every paper. Ellis is quickly drawn into a world of backdoor adoptions, mob Mafioso’s and parental desperation and when his journalistic integrity is on the line, Ellis must decide what secrets are worth keeping. When fellow reporter Lillian sees the photo of the children, she instantly immerses herself into the research as well, determined to find out what happened to the “children for sale” while dealing with her own secrets and demons.
This story was based on an actual photo, which adds to the story’s credibility. Not only does this story tell of the desperation felt by families the world over during the Great Depression, but it also delves into the inner workings of the world of journalism in the same era (which I, personally, found very interesting.) “Sold on a Monday” by Kristina McMorris is definitely unlike any story I have read before.
Deemed a historical fiction novel (and appropriately so) this novel is creative, with an inventive storyline, powerful characters and features both the dark and light sides of humanity. Ellis is a clumsy young man starting out, determined to follow his dream despite his father’s protestations and Lily is a career-oriented young journalist who is trying to make it on her own in a man’s world (at a pretty heavy cost).
This novel would not be nearly as enjoyable if did not have such a sweet and just ending. “Sold on a Monday” is powerful, moving and highly entertaining. It is definitely one not to be missed. A thoroughly inventive novel, it will draw you in from the first page and will not let you go until the very last sentence. McMorris’ novel is definitely something I would recommend to anyone looking for something more substantial than a beachy, summer read (without the pretention).

A touching and heart breaking story, but also heartwarming. Who knows what we would do in desperation? Selling children during the Great Depression? Decisions made in desperation, choices made we would never normally even consider.

Thanks for the opportunity to read this book. It was touching and suspenseful, full of great characters, and a few twists. I recommend it if you like historical fiction.

Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris came as a wonderful surprise for me. For some reason I think I selected it based on the cover and assumed that it was non-fiction, a recount of how dire times were during the Great Depression. Instead, to my delight, when I started reading the book I realized that it was actually a beautiful work of historical fiction, set in and around the newsrooms of Philadelphia and New York City in 1931.

Needless to say I couldn’t put it down.

A wonderful, wonderful story! A reporter and a woman aspiring to be one follow their consciences to rescue a pair of children and return them to their mother during the depression. A book club recommendation for sure!

This was a book that could easily tear at you heart.

This book is set in 1931 during the Great Depression when people were unbelievably poor and desperate to survive. It is a fictional story based on a real photo that was printed in several newspapers.

A reporter El;lis is bound to make a name for himself and find the one story that will. After feeling guilty about something he starts a journey to set things right.

Was a good read with a heartbreaking story behind it. I would have liked to learn more about this children.
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This book drew me in from the cover. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down and read it in a day. I've never read anything by Kristina McMorris before, but I'll certainly be reading more of her books. Boy, can she craft a story!

I'm a sucker for stories with wonderful characters and these all had true depth. The "good" characters had some faults and the "bad" characters had some merit, making them so real.

This book was both heartbreaking and heartwarming and hit on so many great topics. McMorris managed to weave numerous heavy themes together seamlessly, where each one had an integral link to the others. Very polished.

It earns 4.5 stars for me. I was happy to receive an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

1931 and the Great Depression was 2 years old. Bread lines, homeless families, desperation! A young journalist, Ellis Reed, stumbles across two boys sitting next to a sign "Children For Sale" and with one flick of his camera sets in motion a drama that will grab hold of your heart. That picture was not meant to be published, by as fate often steps in, what happens next takes you on an incredible journey.

From start to finish this novel just couldn't be put down. Ms. McMorris simply didn't write a story, she brought to life one of the most distressing times of our country. These characters jumped off the pages, giving us glimpses of the 30's....the gangsters, the city life, journalism and the people struggling just to live their lives. Her research was impeccable, her writing over the top. This is a book not to be missed, it is a "must" read. My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

'Sold on a Monday' by Kristina McMorris is a heart-wrenching story about a reporter, a picture and a huge secret. Ellis Reed, the ambitious reporter, happen upon a disturbing scene. He saw two small boys on a farmhouse porch next to a sign which read "2 children for sale". Ellis snapped their picture. It was 1931 people were desperate. The chief editor saw this picture and wanted to know this family's story. The original picture that Ellis took of the two boys was ruined so Ellis had to return to the boy's home and take another picture. Oh no the boys are gone and the farmhouse is empty. Ellis in his desperate attempt to fulfill his photojournalist assignment paid two children to model for him so that he could reproduce the original photo. The picture and story of two children went viral, as we would say in today's terms. Ellis became a star overnight. People sent donations and letters of support to the family of the children in his fraudulent photo. Ellis' career was sky rocketed to top, however, he never got over the guilt that he had for using a staged photo. Ellis set out to right his wrongs.
This historical novel based on a true story made me feel like I time traveled into 1931. I thoroughly enjoyed Kristina McMorris' description of the nineteen thirties. As I was reading, I felt the desperation, I visualized the speakeasies, I was right there at Ellis and Lily's side while they searched for answers.
I was given a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebook, Inc and Kristina McMorris for sharing this story with me.

This author had a way of writing history that takes you back in time.
I found this portrayed the realities of the depression in a compassionate way and shows the ways many families had to deal with to survive. It is a very well written novel.
Thanks to Net galley anfmd the publisher

This book will break your heart in the best way. When photographer Ellis Reed snaps a picture of two boys in front of their farmhouse next to a sign reading, "2 children for sale," he has no idea how publishing a story with the picture will change all of their lives. 

His life is changed in amazing ways, his career is made with this one piece of writing, but what he didn't realize before he published his article is how it would fracture the family involved. So together, Ellis and secretary Lilian Palmer set out to right a wrong and hopefully put back a devastated family. 

This book was an amazing, sad, beautiful read. It's not a happy, go-lucky story, but it is one that will change your life and stay with you for a long time after you read the last page. It's amazing.

I received this title in exchange for an honest review. The author has an easy,conversational style of writing and the book was very enjoyable to read. It reminds me of a Nicholas Sparks type of movie. Based on a real photograph, it follows a newspaper reporter in his efforts to find out what became of the family he inadvertently played a part in uprooting. I’ll stop there to avoid giving away too much but I will say he, along with a lady-friend, were quite persistent in tracking down the story.