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.

Sold on a Monday starts with a picture on a porch, a mishandled moment by a reporter looking for a better gig, and a female secretary who thinks the world needs to see the realities of the country they live in. This photo takes us on a journey through the lives of reporters, single mothers, families living in poverty, fast-paced newsrooms, encounters with the Mob, and the huge disparities between the rich and the poor in the US in the early 1930’s.

McMorris weaves together a heartbreaking tale of what would lead a mother to sell her children, a chain of events that starts with a simple photo. I felt like I plunged into the streets of Philadelphia and NYC, walking alongside the characters Ellis and Lily as they work on fixing the events that they caused. McMorris does a wonderful job of setting the scene in the 1930’s without overwhelming us with details - her focus on developing the wonderful characters seamlessly in a setting that we can easily imagine ourselves in is just fantastic. I highly recommend this novel it’s a brilliant read. I’m going to check out McMorris’ other work now as I’m a huge fan of historical fiction. And I’m so glad that I chose this book solely based on the cover, as it was such a delightful surprise to read it!

Sold on a Monday will be published by Sourcebooks on August 28, 2018. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy!

While the writing flows well for me the story did not. I was interested in the beginning but each time I put it down it was harder to pick back up as it wasn't getting back to what I thought the main idea of the book was about, the chldren and the photo.

This book is a tough one to review. On one hand the subject matter is fascinating, characters likeable and well drawn; but for some reason I just couldn’t get into the novel until right at the end when there is a race against time moment.
While I was reading the book it was enjoyable but there was no compulsion to read more once I’d closed it for the night and in fact there were many nights when I chose to do something other than read which really isn’t a good sign.
The book did compel me to find the real photograph and learn the story of it. Now that is a gripping tale! Interviews with some of those children now they are adults are shocking and gripping so I highly recommend that readers do likewise and Google after they’ve finished the novel.
In a similar way, that characters are interesting to me now I’m not reading the book. I do still think of them occasionally despite having read another book since so I have to give credit for that. I really don’t know why this book didn’t work for me, maybe it was just me being in a reading funk, maybe it was the authors pace that needed looking at, the jury is still out for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this outstanding novel.

I get sucked into books like this that depict a reality in historical "fiction". Things that we wish didn't really happen are brought to light in this fantastic book, placing us in the uncomfortable reality of people put in horrific situations with very few choices.

Sold on a Monday is told from Ellis and Lily's POVs, sucking the reader into a heartwrenching story of parents forced to put children up for sale during the Great Depression, hoping they will go to a home that can afford to feed and care for them.

The plot brings in more than the sale of children. It adds in the flavor of the early thirties: the mob, prohibition, single parenting, limits placed on women in the workforce and weaves it all in a story that doesn't take the easy way out.

I loved this book and highly recommend it!

I normally don’t read a lot of historical fiction, but this book peaked my interest!
It was such a moving story, full of intrigue and heart break! It tugged at all my emotions!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

This new novel by MsMcMorris is every bit as heart wrenching and yet satisfying as her previous novel “The Edge of Lost”, also historical fiction.

This book is set in 1931 during the depression when so many people lost everything they had, their jobs, homes, land, family and any means of making a living. As difficult as it is to imagine there were people who dropped their children off at churchs, orphanages, other relatives and, yes, even sold them when they could no longer feed or clothe them!

When a struggling new reporter, Ellis Reed, comes across a sign on a house that reads “2 children for sale” he can’t believe that this can be true. He takes a photograph along with many others that he has been shooting throughout the countryside while trying to get an inspiration for a lead story. He talks with some of the neighborhood kids and his heart breaks for them.

A secretary at the newspaper and friend, Lillian Palmer, sees the photo drying in the darkroom and is moved by it. Without Ellis knowing about it, she brings the photo to the Editor’s attention and there the ball gets rolling about whether this can be a feature story. Eventually Ellis gets the chance of a lifetime to write an article that will get widespread review and he has to make some very difficult decisions during this time. Should he expose these people to the humiliation of their hardship? Will he even get permission to print the photo? Will there be other photos needed to include with the story?

Ellis as a character does a lot of growing in this story, first in a direction where he isn’t really comfortable but gets him much acclaim and then he changes course. Lillian Palmer is also a very well described character and her interactions with Ellis make each of them better people in the end.

This is a very powerful story of a desperate time in our history. It will move you to tears but there is also laughter at times. Wonderfully developed characters, well described scenes of the times and beautiful flowing prose. Another 5* winner from McMorris, read it, you won’t be disappointed.

I received an ARC of this novel through NetGalley, thank you.

Will post to public media upon publication, thank you

Kristina McMorris is a go-to author for me because her stories have so much life in them. SOLD ON A MONDAY has a huge heart. It is a story about consequences with a good dose of mystery and I loved the ending. I highly recommend reading it or any of Kristina McMorris' books if you are a fan of historical fiction.

4.5 stars Sold on A Monday was a superbly written and captivating historical fiction. It is loosely based on an old photo published in a newspaper in 1948 depicting children for sale. It was during a time in history when many had lost everything, paid work was tough to come by and people struggled to get food on the table. The author successfully builds a tale which is both tragic and heartwarming about a fictional reporter Ellis who comes across two "children for sale" and opts to take a picture. In his quest to get ahead professionally, he agrees to write an article to accompany the picture as a human interest piece for his newspaper. Before publication, the original photo is destroyed so Ellis makes the fateful decision to stage another picture using a different family and paying them for their efforts. The repercussions of this decision are devastating and far reaching. Lily is a secretary at the paper. She feels responsible for the aftermath because it was her idea to show the original picture to the newspaper editor in the first place. The story focuses on the chain of events and both Ellis and Lily's determination to set things right, if such a thing is possible.

The story had a 1940's feel to it. The descriptions, writing and plot all contribute to creating a backdrop that feels like we have entered this era. Gangsters, prohibition, illegal gambling, flappers, crank style motor cars are all weaved into the tale. The story itself was fascinating and adventurous - kind of like watching an old movie of this era. I could imagine the sound of the projector wheel and tinny voices on screen.

As I read, I found myself appalled at the events and curious to know how it would end. There is also a secondary plot involving a love triangle and an element of motherhood. At the heart of the book, there is the question if children are better off in a situation in which a parent has no means to finically provide for them or with other people who are affluent and can provide a comfortable life? This book was definitely worth the read and I recommend to others.

A gracious thank you for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have mixed feelings about this book. At some points I loved it and at other points I didn’t. The premise of the story is great. The moral dilemma of recreating the picture crucial to a newspaper article defines the main character. Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to review this book.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
I found this book to be quite slow moving throughout pretty much the whole story. The characters were likeable and I did enjoy the book but it was definitely slow moving for me. I would read another book by the author Kristina McMorris as I did enjoy the story.

Desperate measures in desperate times, set in the era of the Great Depression. A photo journalist trying to enhance his career, bends the truth and unwittingly gets involved with an impoverished family. He falls for a colleague at the paper and despite initial misgivings on Lilys part she finds her feelings for Ellis growing. Particularly appealed to me for the photographic aspect and the era which I knew little about.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

The story starts out with Ellis taking a picture of some kids with a "For Sale" sign in front of them. It is 1931 and in the middle of the Great Depression in rural Pennsylvania. Ellis writes a story about the children. When he goes back to follow up on them, he discovers that they kids were sold. Ellis and Lily try to find out what happened to the kids. They discover a heart breaking story.

The author wove a wonderful tale with a little mystery and intrigue mixed in. I felt like I was back in 1931.

Right off, I strongly recommend this book. I loved it, 5 Stars!
We sometimes hear that a picture never lies. It that really the truth? A boiling radiator, a stop to let it cool, and a journalist who loves pictures, starts studying the area around him. A shabby house stands by the side of the road. Two small boys are by a sign that states, " children for sale." A great picture, and it's cemented into a picture. A picture that changes the life of so many.
Ellis has always prided himself on being able to give heart to a story. He stands by his principles and his integrity. Until, he doesn't.
His Editor seein the picture of the two boys has asked for a story to go with it. A human interest story.
Unfortunately after the story is written, the photo is lost. Ellis drives back to the old house where the boys were. Everything is empty, no one is around. Then at another old house he see a little girl and boy. Asking the mothers permission, he takes a photo of the two children. He has found the discarded sign, children for sale, and places it by the children. It's not the real picture for the real story, but it will do. Principles and integrity.....gone.
The story and photo are a huge success. Ellis finds himself climbing the ladder of success. After all it was only one indiscretion. And then he hears that the little girl and boy have actually been sold. All because of his picture. Now he has to decide, principles and integrity? Or money and success?

Ok, I have to admit that I did not grow up during the depression but I have heard the stories from my grandparents that did. I understand completely how families came into this situation but as a woman I do not see how any mother could give up her children for any reason. I may not have children but I consider my furbabies to be my children and to be honest I would see that they were fed and taken care before I am. Yes, I understand that they are dogs. I understand that there are a difference between dogs and humans, but if I feel like that for them then there is no way even being on death's door would let me sell my children. I am sorry, but I just don't understand that she would sell them without even knowing whom they were going to.

As for Ellis he deserved to feel guilty for what he did just to move up in the journalist field. It was horrible the way he handled it. What did he expect to happen??? Even though he worked hard to fix the mistake he made, it will never be the same for the children nor for their mother.

To me the only redeemable character in the book is Lily. She knew it was wrong and life had already screwed her over so she knew about the sacrifice that life requires you to do. In my honest opinion, if Lily had not prodded Ellis then the children would have been left with their "new" families that were not anywhere close to being good for children.

I fully realize that this kind of thing happened then and still happens today and I find it despicable that it does. No child deserves to be unloved or unwanted. What happened to the sold children then & now is horrible.

I gave this book three (3) stars cause though I don't agree with the author profiting from a story like this the book is a enthralling and good read. It shows what happened during the Great Depression and the sacrifices families had to go through. Remember this is my opinion. It has been a long time since I disliked a book and felt it never should be written for profit. The book is good, but it strikes my empathy cord and when that gets struck I tend to see things in black and white with no shades of grey.

Thank you Net Galley for an advanced copy of “Sold on Monday”. Set in the 30’s of the Great Depression, young photojournalist Ellis and aspiring journalist Lily are faced with a dilemma when a career changing photo Ellis took was damaged. What does one do? What are the consequences to the journalists, those around him and the subjects in the picture? One’s ethics and journalistic entegrity are on the line. The book highlights plays out different condquenses and impacts on the major and minor characters in the story. The book made me think of what desperate people do in desperate times such as selling one’s children just to survive. The book had a different approach which was refreshing. It is a quick read. The book could have developed some of the characters a little better as well as exploring integrity of journalism. Maybe my mind is thinking that due to the current times in the U.S. #SoldOnAmonday #NetGalley

Sold on a Monday illustrates the Great Depression with the story told by a random, candid photo and the repercussions from its manipulation. When struggling photojournalist Ellis comes upon the perfect shot, of two little towheads taken outside their tumble-down shack and a sign offering them up for sale, his best intentions and sheer dumb luck collide to create career opportunity, but among great danger.

Ellis's knockout of a Tribune co-worker Lily Palmer has some secrets of her own, and together the two of these kids had me rooting for their very careers. I loved this romantic-but-not-too-romantic story of a nice girl with a deep dark secret, a nice guy who makes a huge terrible mistake, convincing bad guys, a complicated love triangle, suspense and intrigue. McMorris writes great dialog that rings authentic, and never cheesy. My favorite part was when the Tribune chief showed his heart of gold. I raced through this read and was a sad puddle when it ended.

If asked to sum up the book, Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris, in one all-encompassing word, I would shout "Captivating". Now to blow apart the book: amazing, engrossing, riveting, thought-provoking, heart-rending, and so much more. I was moderately interested when reading the description but when I finished the first chapter I found I could not put it down and go to bed. Hours later I fell asleep with my kindle on my pillow. The book is that good. Read it.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

What a fantastic story "Sold on a Monday" is!

I initially was drawn to the book as a former journalist myself. I wanted to know about this photograph and the children in it. I read historical fiction, and I was interested in being taken back to the Great Depression.

The book did transport me. I felt like I could smell the exhaust from one of the main character's Model T. I would have loved a sandwich at the deli owned by the other main character's parents. I could see the smokey newsrooms and loved the portrayal of the brusque editors and reporters of the muckraking era.

The story of the photograph is a heart-wrenching one, and it is a timely fable about the consequences of stretching the truth - both for journalists and for anyone.

I found the second half of the book much more lively than the first half. I'm not a fan of romance novels, and this book has a healthy dose of romance (especially in the first half). I found that part of the plot to be predictable, but the characters are likable and the love story is very sweet.

I read the second half of the book on a couple of flights. I was disappointed when the first flight landed, and I had to stop reading. But on the second flight, when I finished the book about half an hour before I landed, I simply closed my eyes and had plenty to think about regarding this book.

I don't often read books more than once as there are so many great books out in the world I haven't yet read. But "Sold on a Monday" is one I'd like to read again. I know there are more pieces to think about and chew on that can only come from reading a book a few times. Kristina McMorris has written a fine book, and I will keep an eye out for her future efforts!

I would like to thank Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Sold On A Monday’ written by Kristina McMorris in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
Ellis Reed, an up-and-coming reporter for the Philadelphia Examiner, is driving through Laurel Township when he stops and takes a photograph of two children sitting on a porch with a sign saying ‘2 children for sale’. This takes place in 1931 when families are so desperately poor they have to contemplate selling their own children to reduce the number of mouths that need feeding. Some months after taking the photograph Ellis returns to discover that the children and their mother have disappeared and he and Lily Palmer, the newspaper’s secretary, join forces to discover what happened to the children.
It’s a sobering thought that this story has been inspired by an event that actually took place. It makes for a touching and thought-provoking novel that has been carefully and sensitively written. As I continued to read I became so immersed in the story that I was desperate to find out what happened to the children. This is an impressive novel and one I can definitely recommend.

Love Kristina McMorris. I have read all of her books. She writes beautifully written stories with lots of heart. Wonderfully satisfying characters portrayals, and excellent closure. I will certainly wait for her next book!! Thank you Netgalley!!