"Another emotional page turner by Susan Gable"
Susan Gable once again proves her remarkable talent for
telling emotional stories that will hit readers right in
the heart. Sloan Thompson has just relocated to Erie, PA from Ft.
Worth, TX to be closer to his family. He's been a single
parent to two girls ever since the death of his wife in a
car accident. His 15-year old daughter, Brook, has been
steadily pulling away from him, getting into trouble in
school, and making it clear she had some emotional issues
to deal with. He has hopes that being closer to his
sister's new family and his father will help draw Brook
out and maybe bring her back in to the fold of the family
before it's too late. Jenna Quinn is a free spirit who enjoys her single life.
She is a "take-it-as-it-comes with no strings" kind of
person whose personal motto seems to be "Eat dessert
first." She is immediately drawn to Sloan, even though
she "doesn't do kids" and always swore to not get involved
with a single dad. His agreement to the "just casual"
relationship delights is just what she wants, but
something about Sloan and his troubled daughter tugs at
her heart and she can't help but be pulled into their
little family. Sloan gets the shock of his life when Brook announces
she's pregnant, and shortly thereafter, Jenna tells him
she's pregnant also. Now he must deal with not one, but
two hormonal pregnant women, and the idea that he's about
to be a grandfather and a father at the same time.
Emotions are high and family life tense, as he tries to
help Brook make the right decision. All the while he has
some heavy-duty decision-making of his own to tackle. Will
the bonds of love and family be enough to pull them all
through this difficult time? Wow! This is an emotionally charged story that grips
readers in its clutches and holds on to the end. Ms. Gable
is known for covering sensitive issues in her books, while
telling a moving story that always captivates. Be prepared
for some intense scenes that will leave one reaching for a
box of tissues while feeling the emotions of the
characters. The delicate topic of teen pregnancy is
approached with tenderness and skill, presenting all the
options as Brook makes the hardest decision of her life.
This reviewer cried buckets several times, in breakthrough
scenes as the family comes to terms with what has
happened. Blame is never placed anywhere and when Brook
makes her decision, readers are sure to be moved beyond
words at the struggle the young girl has gone through to
get there. Jenna and Sloan are perfect for each other. She helps him
to loosen up with her free spirit and plays a big part in
helping him to adjust to the curveballs thrown his way.
Sloan is the balance to the roller coaster of emotions
Jenna experiences before, during and after pregnancy.
Without each other they are incomplete, but when they join
forces in their love, there is no situation they can't
handle together. Brook is probably one of the strongest developed
characters found here, from her willfulness, her anger at
her father over the death of her mother and the role she
is convinced he played, to her newfound strength and
wisdom as she goes through the months of her pregnancy.
One has hope for her, and by the time the story is closed,
knows that she'll make it and be all the better a person
as she passes from childhood into womanhood. Readers get to visit with some beloved characters from The
Mommy Plan, one of Ms. Gable's previous books, and will
delight in seeing how they've progressed in their own
lives. Other secondary characters play a big role as well,
from Ashley, Sloan's darling 6-year old, to Jenna's best
friends, from the father of Brook's baby, to his parents,
and Sloan's and Jenna's parents as well. Once again, Susan Gable proves her skill as a writer, and
readers can look forward to yet another emotional
powerhouse of a book from this author. © Kelley A. Hartsell, May 2005. All rights reserved.
Reviewed by Kelley Hartsell
Courtesy Love Romances
Posted August 24, 2005
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