When Sarah Klein was born, there was no one who told her how beautiful she was, how her blond hair already had the tiniest little curls, and how she crinkled her mouth as if she wanted to tell you something really important.
After Bernice Stetson abandoned her newborn baby Sarah, authorities placed the little girl in an institution. When Sarah was two years old, Ellen and Jeff Jansen became Sarah’s foster parents and took her in their home and their hearts. For eight years, Sarah lived an idyllic life.
Suddenly, an unexpected letter arrives, and Sarah’s life spins into turmoil. Who will win the heart-wrenching battle that will decide Sarah’s fate? Her loving foster parents? Her erratic birth mother? Or Bill Black, the egocentric director who has power of attorney?
I couldn't put the book down. If this book isn't made into a Lifetime Movie, someone is missing the boat!
—Dean Tong Guest Expert, Consultant, Author, Speaker, and Radio Talk Show Host
Listen to the 45 minute Radio Interview with Dean Tong
A Review from
Loving tears, January 17, 2005
Reviewer: William J. Streit (Brandon, FL)
A must read book for anyone involved in the world of foster care. The author bases this story on actual events in her own sister's life after her family welcomed a developmentally disabled foster child into their home. Lots of warmth, good vibes and love, intermingled with tears of both joy and frustration with the bureaucratic "system", which seeks to remove this little girl from the only loving home she has ever known. The author makes us all feel as though we are personally involved with the situation. Very moving. Could not put this book down until finished.
Bill Streit
“ . . . And A Little Child Shall Lead Them”
You will fall in love with Sarah and the Jansen’s fight will become yours. As the story unfolds, you will laugh, you will cry, but, most of all, you will care.
Jacqueline Laurent has given life to Sarah’s story through her realistic characters and heartbreaking, but believable, situations. All too often, foster parents and the children placed in their care make headlines for sensational or abusive reasons, but White Balloons for Sarah portrays the type of family with which we would like to think most foster children are placed. The Jansens are a loving family who first refuse to give up on an unresponsive child, then refuse to allow anyone to take her from them.
Laurent slowly draws you into White Balloons for Sarah, painting a picture with great detail, until you find you don’t want to put the book down; you can’t wait to find out what happens next. Thanks to her considerable storytelling skills, you won’t want the book to end. This is a “three hankie” book . . . you will shed tears of sadness, and tears of joy . . . you will fall in love with Sarah and will understand her foster family’s fight to get her back.
If you only read one book this year, you owe it to yourself to make it White Balloons for Sarah.
—Barbara Morris Author and Screenwriter
I just read your excerpt and I can't wait to get this book. In one short chapter I feel as if I know the characters and I am so excited about getting to know them better! Your words are chosen so superbly, painting a wonderful story of love . . . so enchanting. And in just 5 pages! I can't imagine anyone reading those pages and not buying the book!
—Donna O'Toole Brandon, Florida
I wasn't able to put the book down and it was so well written and interesting. I really enjoyed it very much!
—Ava Dowd Sun City, Florida
I finished reading White Balloons for Sarah. You are a wonderful writer. I do hope you will pursue your writing. Congratulations on a wonderful book!
—Donna Reuscher Avon Park, Florida
Very thought provoking. White Balloons for Sarah will grip your mind!
—Dave Van de Water Imperial Beach, California
Your book is wonderful! Finished the whole book in one afternoon because I just couldn't put it down! You are a writer! Go for some more!
—Cindy Soriano San Diego, CA
I finished your book a couple weeks ago and loved it!!
—Genell Downes Sarasota, Florida
I read the book flying back east for Christmas with my daughter...and was
completely caught up with admiration for Sarah.....from her happy life
with her step parents......to her struggles through life. Sarah's story will stay with me. Congratulations.
—Betty Shermer California
I READ YOUR BOOK ON MY TRIP TO GREAT-BRITAIN. CONGRATULATIONS ON A WONDERFUL, HEART WARMING STORY AND PRESENTATION!
—JACKIE FIE JEFFERSON, IOWA
This book is a winner! So much love, so much heart...
A must read book for anyone involved in the world of foster care. The author bases this story on actual events in her own sister's life after her family welcomed a developmentally disabled foster child into their home. Lots of warmth, good vibes and love, intermingled with tears of both joy and frustration with the bureaucratic "system", which seeks to remove this little girl from the only loving home she has ever known. The author makes us all feel as though we are personally involved with the situation. Very moving. Could not put this book down until finished.