In 1983, in Scotland, the author and her husband decide to adopt two special-needs brothers: six-year-old Robert and two-year-old Paul. It is an act of love, and things begin smoothly. However, soon it becomes evident that Paul has medical issues that leave him debilitated for days, and Robert has emotional scars that result in unacceptable behavior. With the help of a wonderful social worker, the family begins to bond. As part of the adoption, the family is to receive assistance with the children's special problems, but with the closure of agencies, those resources become harder to access. Then the medical community fails the family by refusing to listen to McCleod's concerns over Paul's health. A psychiatrist fails them when refusing to look at Robert's history and rendering a false accusation, which causes harm to the entire family. The system fails these children and the family many times, yet through it all McCleod fights for her boys.

McCleod's memoir of her life and her struggles with bureaucracy after adopting her two sons is a moving testament to the human spirit and a mother's love. Her struggles to provide the best for her children under sometimes extremely difficult conditions are valiant. Readers will at times feel as frustrated by the system she has to navigate as she does. And though there's plenty of frustration, this is really a story about a mother who never gave up the fight for her children or the hope for their future. McCleod's love for her children is evident as she writes of their accomplishments and talents. Her conversational writing style produces a concise, informative, and entertaining narrative. Parents of both biological and adopted children will find this a valuable read.

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