Girls in Trouble: A Novel

An incredibly moving novel about the emotional side—and consequences—of open adoption from the author of Pictures of You.

In this heart-wrenching story of an open adoption gone wrong, Caroline Leavitt's Girls in Trouble reveals the astonishing power of family bonds and maternal love. Sara, sixteen, is in denial about her pregnancy and too far along for an abortion. Her once-devoted boyfriend has disappeared so Sara decides her only option is an open adoption with George and Eva, a couple desperate for a child. After the birth it's clear Sara has a bond with the child that Eva can't duplicate and Eva and George make a drastic decision, with devastating consequences for them all.

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Published Apr 1, 2005

368 pages

Average rating: 6

1 RATING

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Community Reviews

Mary Pat Holt
Feb 05, 2026
6/10 stars
I think this story was a bit too long. It could have been finished in 100 less pages or so. I liked the story-16 year old pregnant girl, boyfriend leaves her, she finds a family to adopt her baby and they all agree on an open adoption. You guessed it-birth mom changes her mind! If you have read anything by Leavitt, you know there will be a twist or two and this book does not disappoint! It just goes on a bit too long. And I had a hard time believing some things (people being able to track each other down so easily after so many years-please!, pregnant girl's parents were so unlikeable & the ending was like really??) Overall, a good, quick & enjoyable read.(less)

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