All They Ask Is Everything: A Novel By Hadley Leggett

In this poignant debut novel, three very different women find their lives intertwined in a dramatic custody battle over two young girls. Each woman is driven by deep personal struggles and desires, and as their paths cross, they discover unexpected connections and shared experiences.

Hannah, a widowed mother, has devoted her life to her daughters, determined to be a better mother than her own. However, as exhaustion and isolation take their toll, a grave mistake leads to her daughters being placed in foster care. Hannah’s world is upended, and her fight to regain custody becomes a desperate struggle against her own limitations.

Julie, a single woman who has faced infertility, finds solace and hope in fostering. When she meets Hannah’s daughters, she is captivated by their charm and spirit. Julie's growing attachment to the girls makes her question their past and fuels her determination to give them a stable and loving home, despite the legal and emotional hurdles.

Elaine, recently retired and estranged from her daughter Hannah, sees the chance to reconnect with her granddaughters as a way to mend old wounds. Motivated by a desire for redemption and a chance at a “do-over” in parenting, Elaine is resolved to rescue the girls from the foster system and reclaim her place in their lives.

As the women vie for custody, they confront their own secrets, old hurts, and burgeoning relationships. Through their interconnected journeys, they each come to understand that the love and sacrifice they offer could form the foundation of a new family. This moving novel explores the complexities of motherhood and the transformative power of compassion and connection.