SOLD ON A MONDAY By Kristina McMorris

This is an exceptional story. It captures your heart from the beginning, that someone would consider selling children and even more so because their straits were so dire as to give them no choice. Struggling newspaperman, Ellis Reed, takes a picture of a scene that strikes a chord with a past of which he hasn't made peace.

Returning to his job he turns in the picture but continues to struggle with his assignments; then Lily Palmer, a single Mom, who has kept it a secret because of the stigma for an unmarried woman and because she was afraid she wouldn't land the job with her boss discovers the picture.

Lily brings it to the attention of her boss who wants Ellis to write a story. He excitedly tackles the job but then discovers the picture has been accidently destroyed. Ellis strikes out to find the boys in the picture again but now they are gone but two other children are there so he poses them with the sign he at retrieved from the original site. His article appeals to the general public and donations for the family beginning pouring in and Ellis, guiltily and secretly deposits them at the family's home.

Lily, in the meantime, wants to become a columnist herself; but her boss doesn't think women capable. She continues to work toward finding opportunities to change his mind. In the meantime, she and Ellis begin a fragile friendship at the same time another reporter vies for her attentions and things slowly become complicated.

Finally, both Ellis and Lily are drawn into corrected the mistakes suffered by the children caused by the false picture. These children had been inadvertently sold because the picture had led the wrong people to them. 

This is a fascinating story drawn from photos and suffering during the depression and War time periods of our country's history. With a little romance and suspense thrown in, you will find a story that tugs at your heart strings and makes it hard to put the book down. Five star recommendation. Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for allowing me to read this book through Netgalley.