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Mixed Blessings
A routine medical exam told widowed Marie Cadant that her little boy had been switched with another at birth. But when she tracked down wealthy Peter Hallock—the man who had her biological son—she was surprised to find another single parent, and one eager to love not just his own child, but hers, as well.Even as they struggled to keep their children close despite their far-flung homes, Peter was intrigued by Marie’s inner strength and deep faith. He prevailed on her to accept a marriage of convenience for the children’s sake, then faced the challenge of convincing her that despite the circumstances, theirs was a marriage truly made in heaven.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2004
37 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Marie Hake
92 books622 followersAs a child, Cathy Marie Hake had an imaginary playmate. Now "grown up," she indulges in a host of imaginary friends as she writes. She teasingly says she decided if those voices in her head were talking, she might as well write down what they said and make a living by doing it. She met her sweetheart in the High School department at church and married him after finishing nursing school. They live in Southern California and have two children and two dogs (one of them even moos - one of the dogs that is, not the kids). Faith in God, a loving family, and a wacky sense of the ridiculous keep her going.
Known for surfing across the kitchen on a dropped dill pickle slice, waterskiing on sea anemone spit, and using Right Guard® as hair spray; she considers herself living proof that God does, indeed, possess a healthy sense of humor.
Cathy loves classical music, romantic getways with her husband, and Diet Pepsi Free®. "I need chocolate to survive, love my friends, and enjoy a deep personal relationship with the Lord. Although an extrovert, I'm very conservative on a personal level."
In her writing, Cathy attempts to capture a unique glimpse of life and how a man and woman can overcome obstacles when motivated by love. In her inspirational pieces she enjoys the freedom of showing how Christ can enrich a loving couple's relationship.
Known for surfing across the kitchen on a dropped dill pickle slice, waterskiing on sea anemone spit, and using Right Guard® as hair spray; she considers herself living proof that God does, indeed, possess a healthy sense of humor.
Cathy loves classical music, romantic getways with her husband, and Diet Pepsi Free®. "I need chocolate to survive, love my friends, and enjoy a deep personal relationship with the Lord. Although an extrovert, I'm very conservative on a personal level."
In her writing, Cathy attempts to capture a unique glimpse of life and how a man and woman can overcome obstacles when motivated by love. In her inspirational pieces she enjoys the freedom of showing how Christ can enrich a loving couple's relationship.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 24, 2018
I’ve been thinking about this book for several days now, and I’m not sure that’s a good thing. My poor family…
I picked up this book hoping for a really cute adoption story, and I wasn’t at all disappointed in that area. Ricky and Luke are ADORABLE, and the author did an amazing job writing three-year-old little boys accurately. (Even down to how they said “chocolate”. <3) Sandy was also a super cool character. She had quite the personality, was protective of her older sister, and was a trooper despite being confined to a wheelchair. I kinda wished she was in the story more.
Marie was a sweet character. I really loved her conversation with Laura, sharing the Gospel and discussing pain. The way she took care of her son was really sweet too. And the darling parallel between the beginning and the end totally made me tear up. <3
Unfortunately, Peter Hallock, a.k.a. "Most Hive-Inducing Fictional Man of the Year" (and a couple of content issues) got this book two stars.
(This review is gonna contain a lot of quotes and spoilers, just so you know.)
I don’t have any respect for a guy who pragmatically asks a woman to move in with him (to solve a problem) and won’t let the idea drop for ten pages even when she tells him it’s morally wrong and she’s uncomfortable with the idea even if it is perfectly platonic and someone else is living with them. (This is the first week they’ve known each other, by the way. Their second visit in person.)
Late in the same day, he mentions that his son (really her biological son since their kids were switched) can stay the night. Then this happens.
“You’d let him spend the night here with me?”
His mind whirled. “Why not? I’d be here too.” Something in her expression made him lock eyes with her. “You can’t exclude me, Marie.”
I understand that the way the story is set up, they don’t quite trust each other yet not to steal both kids and run away, but after a conversation about not living together, the way he just invited himself to spend the night didn’t seem cool. He could afford a hotel… A few pages later, he’s noticing her figure and then in the middle of the night, he almost kisses her “by accident”. *bangs head into wall*
Earlier in the story, same visit, we have this conversation.
”Why don’t you look at me?” He didn’t understand her aversion to him. It stung.
Swallowing hard, as if trying to dislodge the huge ball in her throat, Marie confessed, “You look too much like Ricky. I love his dear little face, and when I see you…” She shrugged.
“It’s confusing,” he finished softly. He gently set the shirt aside and folded her hand between both of his. “You look so much like Luke, it takes my breath away. Because of it, I feel as if I already know more about you than two short meetings would yield. My impulses to protect, keep and touch you probably come from that.”
“But you can’t be that way. You can’t act like an authoritative parent and dictate what happens. I won’t accept it. It’s a struggle to wait for God’s will, but that’s far better than rushing to make decisions I’ll regret later.”
And I guess that pretty much sums up my biggest problem with this character. He acted like he was Marie’s parent. I have no problem with a man being a protector and planner (in fact, I want mine to be like that), but he was manipulative, pushy, and sometimes even forceful even before he had a romantic claim on Marie. :(
His overprotective pushy side was really cute when Marie was sick and earlier in the story when he was afraid that she had wrecked. And it was almost cute when he was shopping with her, though buying her a trousseau felt a little creepy at that stage since they were still very platonic and I think he should have listened to how uncomfortable she was with the prices of the clothes he bought her. (I personally couldn’t bring myself to wear something that expensive. :P ) But it wasn't very cute other times...
His character especially rang all my alarm bells with one small episode. I’m not sure why. The author may have meant for his motives to be pure, encouraging, and sweet, but because it was a little more personal than all the other instances, I found myself really uncomfortable.
Marie, Peter, the nanny Anne, and both boys were on a vacation at the seaside.
”You’ll practically live in your swimsuit, Marie. Other than that, all you need is one dress. I’m sure you managed that.” When she didn’t reply at once, his features twisted into a scowl. “Didn’t you?”
“Just about.” Marie coasted over to the sink and busied herself scrubbing off that smudge. The task seemed amazingly interesting and complex, for all the effort she put into it.
“Marie,” Peter growled, “tell me you brought a bathing suit.”
A quick glance in the mirror let her know guilty color filled her cheeks. She tried to play word games. “Okay. You brought a bathing suit.”
“Woman! What were you thinking? We’re by the ocean. What person in their right mind wouldn’t bring a swimsuit?”
A few pages later…
The next morning, Marie groaned again when Peter handed her a box and announced, “I got you a swimsuit.”
“You expect me to fit into this after you stuffed me with chocolate torte and half a box of truffles last night?”
Peter glanced down at the swimsuit she’d dropped back into the gift box. She’d acted like it was a viper. “I called Brianna. She advised me. Mrs. Reccaut opened the gift shop early just for this, and she promises it’ll fit. There’s even a cover-up in this next box, if you’re worried about getting a sunburn.”
“I’m comfortable in what I have on.” She perched her hands on her hips and gave him a disgruntled look.”
He arranged events to make it so she just perfectly has the time to change into the swimsuit. She even hinted at him being manipulative, and he denied it with a joke. She changed into the one-piece swimsuit, wasn’t quite satisfied with her slightly mom and chocolate lover body, and decided to wear the cover up all day. Then this happened...
Peter tugged her back inside the cabana. His eyes twinkled. “You need to leave your cover-up in here. The boys’ shells are in your pockets.”
“I’m going to have to teach our boys to start laying up their treasures in heaven.” She took off the cover-up.
Peter winked at her, then growled, “I’m going to get the boys little bags so they can carry their treasures. I refuse to give you an excuse to wear that thing anymore.”
*shrugs* She was obviously more comfortable wearing it, and I didn’t like how he did his best to get her not to… And all this growling and scowling? Not really my thing...
Another thing I didn’t like was how he was constantly touching her, not in a creepy way, but holding her hand, touching her shoulder, and the like when they were really just strangers. Somewhere in the story he starts calling her honey and sweetheart just because. *shrugs* Kinda possessive or presumptive, maybe?
I’m honestly not looking for the hero in a book to be perfect, worship at the heroine’s feet, or give in to her every whim. I do want to see respect and growth away from negative behavior, however, and the fact that there didn’t seem to be any problem with Peter’s actions, except for a few complaints from Marie, had me uncomfortable.
Just a note, there are mentions of pregnancy, details of a hard birth, and breastfeeding. There were also allusions to “intimacy” (and some words related to that), an unfaithful wife, and suspicion of an affair.
Altogether, I was hoping for a sweet, Christ-filled romance and adoption story. This was a disappointment.
I picked up this book hoping for a really cute adoption story, and I wasn’t at all disappointed in that area. Ricky and Luke are ADORABLE, and the author did an amazing job writing three-year-old little boys accurately. (Even down to how they said “chocolate”. <3) Sandy was also a super cool character. She had quite the personality, was protective of her older sister, and was a trooper despite being confined to a wheelchair. I kinda wished she was in the story more.
Marie was a sweet character. I really loved her conversation with Laura, sharing the Gospel and discussing pain. The way she took care of her son was really sweet too. And the darling parallel between the beginning and the end totally made me tear up. <3
Unfortunately, Peter Hallock, a.k.a. "Most Hive-Inducing Fictional Man of the Year" (and a couple of content issues) got this book two stars.
(This review is gonna contain a lot of quotes and spoilers, just so you know.)
I don’t have any respect for a guy who pragmatically asks a woman to move in with him (to solve a problem) and won’t let the idea drop for ten pages even when she tells him it’s morally wrong and she’s uncomfortable with the idea even if it is perfectly platonic and someone else is living with them. (This is the first week they’ve known each other, by the way. Their second visit in person.)
Late in the same day, he mentions that his son (really her biological son since their kids were switched) can stay the night. Then this happens.
“You’d let him spend the night here with me?”
His mind whirled. “Why not? I’d be here too.” Something in her expression made him lock eyes with her. “You can’t exclude me, Marie.”
I understand that the way the story is set up, they don’t quite trust each other yet not to steal both kids and run away, but after a conversation about not living together, the way he just invited himself to spend the night didn’t seem cool. He could afford a hotel… A few pages later, he’s noticing her figure and then in the middle of the night, he almost kisses her “by accident”. *bangs head into wall*
Earlier in the story, same visit, we have this conversation.
”Why don’t you look at me?” He didn’t understand her aversion to him. It stung.
Swallowing hard, as if trying to dislodge the huge ball in her throat, Marie confessed, “You look too much like Ricky. I love his dear little face, and when I see you…” She shrugged.
“It’s confusing,” he finished softly. He gently set the shirt aside and folded her hand between both of his. “You look so much like Luke, it takes my breath away. Because of it, I feel as if I already know more about you than two short meetings would yield. My impulses to protect, keep and touch you probably come from that.”
“But you can’t be that way. You can’t act like an authoritative parent and dictate what happens. I won’t accept it. It’s a struggle to wait for God’s will, but that’s far better than rushing to make decisions I’ll regret later.”
And I guess that pretty much sums up my biggest problem with this character. He acted like he was Marie’s parent. I have no problem with a man being a protector and planner (in fact, I want mine to be like that), but he was manipulative, pushy, and sometimes even forceful even before he had a romantic claim on Marie. :(
His overprotective pushy side was really cute when Marie was sick and earlier in the story when he was afraid that she had wrecked. And it was almost cute when he was shopping with her, though buying her a trousseau felt a little creepy at that stage since they were still very platonic and I think he should have listened to how uncomfortable she was with the prices of the clothes he bought her. (I personally couldn’t bring myself to wear something that expensive. :P ) But it wasn't very cute other times...
His character especially rang all my alarm bells with one small episode. I’m not sure why. The author may have meant for his motives to be pure, encouraging, and sweet, but because it was a little more personal than all the other instances, I found myself really uncomfortable.
Marie, Peter, the nanny Anne, and both boys were on a vacation at the seaside.
”You’ll practically live in your swimsuit, Marie. Other than that, all you need is one dress. I’m sure you managed that.” When she didn’t reply at once, his features twisted into a scowl. “Didn’t you?”
“Just about.” Marie coasted over to the sink and busied herself scrubbing off that smudge. The task seemed amazingly interesting and complex, for all the effort she put into it.
“Marie,” Peter growled, “tell me you brought a bathing suit.”
A quick glance in the mirror let her know guilty color filled her cheeks. She tried to play word games. “Okay. You brought a bathing suit.”
“Woman! What were you thinking? We’re by the ocean. What person in their right mind wouldn’t bring a swimsuit?”
A few pages later…
The next morning, Marie groaned again when Peter handed her a box and announced, “I got you a swimsuit.”
“You expect me to fit into this after you stuffed me with chocolate torte and half a box of truffles last night?”
Peter glanced down at the swimsuit she’d dropped back into the gift box. She’d acted like it was a viper. “I called Brianna. She advised me. Mrs. Reccaut opened the gift shop early just for this, and she promises it’ll fit. There’s even a cover-up in this next box, if you’re worried about getting a sunburn.”
“I’m comfortable in what I have on.” She perched her hands on her hips and gave him a disgruntled look.”
He arranged events to make it so she just perfectly has the time to change into the swimsuit. She even hinted at him being manipulative, and he denied it with a joke. She changed into the one-piece swimsuit, wasn’t quite satisfied with her slightly mom and chocolate lover body, and decided to wear the cover up all day. Then this happened...
Peter tugged her back inside the cabana. His eyes twinkled. “You need to leave your cover-up in here. The boys’ shells are in your pockets.”
“I’m going to have to teach our boys to start laying up their treasures in heaven.” She took off the cover-up.
Peter winked at her, then growled, “I’m going to get the boys little bags so they can carry their treasures. I refuse to give you an excuse to wear that thing anymore.”
*shrugs* She was obviously more comfortable wearing it, and I didn’t like how he did his best to get her not to… And all this growling and scowling? Not really my thing...
Another thing I didn’t like was how he was constantly touching her, not in a creepy way, but holding her hand, touching her shoulder, and the like when they were really just strangers. Somewhere in the story he starts calling her honey and sweetheart just because. *shrugs* Kinda possessive or presumptive, maybe?
I’m honestly not looking for the hero in a book to be perfect, worship at the heroine’s feet, or give in to her every whim. I do want to see respect and growth away from negative behavior, however, and the fact that there didn’t seem to be any problem with Peter’s actions, except for a few complaints from Marie, had me uncomfortable.
Just a note, there are mentions of pregnancy, details of a hard birth, and breastfeeding. There were also allusions to “intimacy” (and some words related to that), an unfaithful wife, and suspicion of an affair.
Altogether, I was hoping for a sweet, Christ-filled romance and adoption story. This was a disappointment.
June 14, 2022
This one... was MOSTLY an excellent and highly recommended read.
I went in not expecting that, though. At first I thought the storyline ridiculous. Switched at birth? Like they didn't do footprints of babies, back in the 90s? But my husband pointed out that they probably don't check them after printing them, and when the emergencies going on at the time (in this story), things *could* happen. So... we're going to go with the idea.
I read a lot of reviews in which the people were unhappy with Peter as a character, saying he was 'overbearing' and basically a controlling person. I didn't actually see that until around page 200 when he started forcing her to shop at expensive stores, and NO, I didn't care for that. If he loved her, he'd meet her at her level, not steam-roller her. So I took a star.
But mostly I found Peter to be an amazing man, and Marie to be a very believable heroine/mother figure. I even loved how the author was able to write a low-level quadriplegic in, and NOT screw up the portrayal of her - which is VERY refreshing and good.
The story-telling is fleshed out a little more than the more modern, trite books, so this is definitely an enjoyable read... and the male character isn't as stand-offish and stiff as a lot of them are - he's down on the floor roaring at the boys, rolling his pantlegs to make mud-pies, and starting a splash war with Marie in the pool. It's a lot of fun.
The faith in this one is REALLY woven into the story, too - which is a HUGE thing for me. I love how they both sought to have faith in their relationship, as well as for themselves. It wasn't just a quick mention of a verse or a thrown-out-there prayer... this book treats spirituality as a part of the characters everyday life, and that is *SO* amazing.
So yes, I highly recommend this one!
I went in not expecting that, though. At first I thought the storyline ridiculous. Switched at birth? Like they didn't do footprints of babies, back in the 90s? But my husband pointed out that they probably don't check them after printing them, and when the emergencies going on at the time (in this story), things *could* happen. So... we're going to go with the idea.
I read a lot of reviews in which the people were unhappy with Peter as a character, saying he was 'overbearing' and basically a controlling person. I didn't actually see that until around page 200 when he started forcing her to shop at expensive stores, and NO, I didn't care for that. If he loved her, he'd meet her at her level, not steam-roller her. So I took a star.
But mostly I found Peter to be an amazing man, and Marie to be a very believable heroine/mother figure. I even loved how the author was able to write a low-level quadriplegic in, and NOT screw up the portrayal of her - which is VERY refreshing and good.
The story-telling is fleshed out a little more than the more modern, trite books, so this is definitely an enjoyable read... and the male character isn't as stand-offish and stiff as a lot of them are - he's down on the floor roaring at the boys, rolling his pantlegs to make mud-pies, and starting a splash war with Marie in the pool. It's a lot of fun.
The faith in this one is REALLY woven into the story, too - which is a HUGE thing for me. I love how they both sought to have faith in their relationship, as well as for themselves. It wasn't just a quick mention of a verse or a thrown-out-there prayer... this book treats spirituality as a part of the characters everyday life, and that is *SO* amazing.
So yes, I highly recommend this one!
June 14, 2025
Worth reading
The heroine was annoying when she was too quick to jump to conclusions and the hero felt a bit too controlling at times, but overall they were both likable and interesting characters. As in real life, not every bad thing had a good resolution, yet in spite of it, good came out of it. Their faith and trust in the Lord was clearly portrayed. The boys were adorable. Lovely ending.
The heroine was annoying when she was too quick to jump to conclusions and the hero felt a bit too controlling at times, but overall they were both likable and interesting characters. As in real life, not every bad thing had a good resolution, yet in spite of it, good came out of it. Their faith and trust in the Lord was clearly portrayed. The boys were adorable. Lovely ending.
March 28, 2025
Wow
I cried myself through the first chapter. What a wonderfully written story. Who comes up with ideas for a story like this. Loved Peter and Marie and their two little boys. But the best thing was their faithfulness in seeking the Lord in all their decisions and life choices
I cried myself through the first chapter. What a wonderfully written story. Who comes up with ideas for a story like this. Loved Peter and Marie and their two little boys. But the best thing was their faithfulness in seeking the Lord in all their decisions and life choices
April 22, 2019
I picked this up reluctantly. The book itself was pretty beat up (library) but it was a delightful read. I can't imagine something like this happening - how it could disrupt lives, but it was lovely how they worked through everything and kept the kids first and foremost.
Really enjoyed it.
Really enjoyed it.
June 14, 2025
I debated about whether to give this a 4, because it’s so unrealistic, but the characters are good and the story line pretty original.
Two single parents, one little boy each, and thus begins this tale.
Two single parents, one little boy each, and thus begins this tale.
June 13, 2025
Delightful, imaginative read
This book was enjoyable to read because I kept wondering how in the world this couple was going to figure everything out!
This book was enjoyable to read because I kept wondering how in the world this couple was going to figure everything out!
December 20, 2021
3 Stars ~ This is my first book by this author; she has a fresh appealing writing style.
From the first page I knew this was going to be an emotional read. Just the anguish Marie was experiencing, made for raw emotions. The three year olds were delightful and pretty spot on characterizations. And at the beginning Peter's reactions seemed true to the situation, but as the author has Marie point out, he tried to steam roller Marie into a solution that suited him the best. While he knew his family were generous of heart, he also knew they could be forceful. He had promised Marie that what the boys learnt about their beginnings would be revealed when they were older or more settled in their new extended family. So when his family seems to take over and it blurted out about Peter being Daddy to the child Marie has been raising, it all seemed a poor conflict device by the author. For me, Peter was portrayed as a controlling character, yet I think the author was trying to make him impulsive when he cared deeply about something. Unfortunately, the controlling bit took me out of the story and lowered my enjoyment..
From the first page I knew this was going to be an emotional read. Just the anguish Marie was experiencing, made for raw emotions. The three year olds were delightful and pretty spot on characterizations. And at the beginning Peter's reactions seemed true to the situation, but as the author has Marie point out, he tried to steam roller Marie into a solution that suited him the best. While he knew his family were generous of heart, he also knew they could be forceful. He had promised Marie that what the boys learnt about their beginnings would be revealed when they were older or more settled in their new extended family. So when his family seems to take over and it blurted out about Peter being Daddy to the child Marie has been raising, it all seemed a poor conflict device by the author. For me, Peter was portrayed as a controlling character, yet I think the author was trying to make him impulsive when he cared deeply about something. Unfortunately, the controlling bit took me out of the story and lowered my enjoyment..
July 8, 2010
Peter and Marie each have 3 year old toddlers and each have lost their spouse.
Marie finds out through some tests at the daycare she works at that Ricky is not her biological son. After some research she finds Peter's son, Luke, and her Ricky were mixed up at the hospital.
What starts out as a marriage of convenience ends up more.
Great read.
Marie finds out through some tests at the daycare she works at that Ricky is not her biological son. After some research she finds Peter's son, Luke, and her Ricky were mixed up at the hospital.
What starts out as a marriage of convenience ends up more.
Great read.
August 22, 2012
I nearly quit this book in just the first couple of pages, because it is SO stupid. but then I decided to think of it as a lifetime movie (which I love to watch no matter how terrible they are), and that made it sooo much better... I even ended up liking it.
Read
May 15, 2009This was such a cute book! I love how two people were brought together through, what looked like, impossible circumstances.
September 9, 2014
Trite, cardboard characters. Two boys switched at birth, their widowed parents eventually find love. Legalistic Christian woman was hard to take and way too prim and proper.
May 29, 2016
Babies switched at birth. Marie, Ricky/Peter, Luke
January 10, 2012
Christian based book. A quick and easy read, Very enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews