Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorrris

Inspired by a real life story, Sold on a Monday is a novel of despair, hope, and justice. Ellis Reed, a reporter for the Philadelphia Examiner, while out on an assignment, happens upon a sign that reads "2 Children for Sale." The year is 1931 when people are still feeling the effects of the depression and in the time of prohibition. He snaps a photo because he was so taken by their innocence. In a series of events, some propitious and another unfortunate, Lillian Palmer, secretary to the editor, of the paper sees it in the darkroom and shows it to the editor of the paper who assigns Ellis to write a feature story based on it. However, somehow before it can be used, it is destroyed. So Ellis needs to get back out in the country to get another one. However, when he reaches the home, he finds the sign in a heap and no children around. And so he recovers the sign, finds two children and stages a photo shoot.

Upon returning to the scene, he finds that the Dillard children, Ruby and Cavin, have actually been sold when their mother received a dire health diagnosis. As the novel progresses, Lily and Ellis feel responsible for the sale of the children and they concentrate their efforts to returning them to their mother, who has been informed that the health diagnosis was wrong. Along the way there are depictions of speak easies, heart-to-heart talks with Ellis' parents about what happened to his younger brother, romantic involvements for Lily, a brush with the mob, and self-realization for both Lily and Ellis. After an escapade that begs the reader to suspend reality, the novel comes to a satisfying and emotional conclusion. 

The characters are well drawn and elicit emotions from the reader: Clayton, Lily's romantic interest is kind, the Millstones are not what they appear to be, and the Palmers are understanding, kind and supportive. 

Kristina McMorris has penned a poignant and telling novel about how perseverance, guilt, and family ties influence the acts of individuals. It is a very good read and deserves the praise that it has garnered.