The Doctor's Not-So-Little Secret

Rx For Love #6

by Cindy Kirk

Pediatrician Kate McNeal thought she had it all. But the one thing she longed for—the child she'd given up for adoption nine years earlier—remained just out of reach. So when she learned the girl was living with her adoptive father in Jackson Hole, Kate moved her practice lock, stock and stethoscope, to be close to the daughter she'd never forgotten.

Joel Dennes used to think he had it all—until tragedy tore his family apart. Now the single dad needs help with his little girl, and the new doctor in town seems like the perfect woman for the job—and soon he thinks she may be the perfect woman for him! But when Kate's secret comes out, will the betrayal be the end of their fairy-tale ending?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, Contemporary Romance, Medical, Harlequin

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 27, 2012

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Cindy Kirk is a Booksellers' Best Award Winner, a National Readers' Choice Awards finalist, and a Publishers Weekly bestselling author. Cindy launched her Good Hope series with a bang. Christmas in Good Hope hit #1 on the Amazon bestseller list for both Contemporary Romance and Women's Fiction.

A lifelong Nebraska resident, Cindy started writing after taking a class at a local community college. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.

Someone once told Cindy that to know a writer you just have to read what she's written; she hopes that once you read her books you can tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books, and get to know her.

Cindy and her high school sweetheart husband live on an acreage with their two dogs.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Kate came to Jackson Hole to find out what had happened to her daughter. She didn't expect to end up with her as a patient. She also didn't expect to be thrown into almost constant contact with Chloe's father Joel. Joel was finally starting to recover from the death of his wife. As he did, he began to notice Kate more as a woman than as Chloe's doctor. He still didn't feel right about the possibility of loving another woman, and Kate couldn't see having a relationship with Joel with her secret hanging over her head. But they also couldn't resist spending time with each other. I loved the way they told Chloe about Kate, and how good Kate was with her. The way that both Kate and Joel were reminded about the reason for the adoption was very well done.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up because it made me tear up at one point, and any book that affects my emotions that much deserves to be rounded up. Kate is living in Jackson Hole and watching the baby she gave up for adoption grow up. Chloe is 9 now, and is really just a cute-little clone of her birth mother. The adoptive mother died a few years ago, and of course sparks fly between Kate and Chloe's father. I thought the way their relationship was portrayed was quite realistic and very well done- especially for such a short book! And I really liked Kate - her strength, her shyness, and her whole personality.

My thanks to the author and the publisher for giving me an ARC of the book to read for review. I loved it.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fourth novel in the Jackson Hole sequence, the focus is on Kate McNeal, a physician, and Joel Dennes, a builder. Kate has recently broken up with Ryan Harcourt, a lawyer. Joel, a widower, is raising his nine-year-old daughter, Chloe. Joel and his wife adopted Chloe, and it turns out Kate is Chloe’s birth mother and currently Chloe’s physician. Kate is torn between her attraction to Joel and her need to maintain the wall because of Chloe. Joel is attracted to Kate but is hesitant to date Kate because he feels dating Kate would be disloyal to his dead wife “Saint” Amy, and his concern for his daughter. When Chloe goes on an out-of-state visit with a friend, Joel and Kate decide to have a no-strings-attached fling while Chloe is gone. The affair ignites passion between the two, but when Joel realizes Kate is Chloe’s birth mother, he freaks out and lashes out at Kate. Can Joel get over himself and admit he loves Kate? Can Kate forgive Joel’s boorish behavior?

As in the previous novel, Mary Karen and Travis are presented here again as a married couple, although they were not married in books 1 and 2, and their wedding is skipped over. More disconcerting, in the current book (#4), Ryan has just broken up with Kate, but in Book 3, Ryan is married to Betsy and has a newborn son! So chronologically, book 4 precedes book 3, and the Mary Karen and Travis marriage occurs sometime after book 2. This out-of-order sequencing happened because of difficulty the author had in regaining rights to the novels in the original release. If Healing the Doctor’s Heart is read as a standalone novel, these inconsistencies wouldn’t affect the reader but may bother a reader of the Jackson Hole series.

I enjoyed this novel, as it is written in the typical engaging Cindy Kirk style. However, the out of order sequencing bothered me, dropping my rating to a 4.5. But 4.5 rounds up to a 5-star review.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing the book.

[Kim Mccarter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Kate and Joel’s story. My smile was so big at the ending, just sitting there on my couch, that anyone who had seen me would have thought I was crazy. Thank you! I love stories that make me respond that way! I’ll admit that I was a little frustrated at the beginning when Kate kept referring to her “secret.” I thought, “Oh, no. Is this gonna be one of those books where we are kept in suspense all the way through wondering what the heck is going on?” I hate those books! But just about then, we found out about the secret! It’s was so cool to share the secret with Kate the rest of the way. It really made the book so much better because I totally understood her emotions as they progressed (except for why she felt should couldn’t have it all). But then, I guess we humans tend to convince ourselves of things that just don’t make sense to anyone but ourselves, until we’re shown that we are wrong. This was such an excellent story!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy small town romances and the characters that fill them. It's like visiting old friends when a new story comes out. This is Kate and Joel's story. Kate is keeping a big secret from Joel and as they get to know each other on a more personal level beyond Kate being Joel's daughter's pediatrician, they both have reasons for trying to keep things only friendly. I appreciated the way they both have to work through issues, Joel from the loss of his wife, Kate on trust, to arrive in a place they can admit their love and find their happily ever after. The ending was a bit quick but satisfying, and I left it with a smile.
I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Susan Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cindy Kirk’s Healing the Doctor’s Heart is an amazing story of second chances. Set in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the novel features pediatrician Kate McNeal and builder Joel Dennes.
Kate McNeal has a secret, a secret that she’s finding very hard to keep. She moved to Jackson Hole two years ago to join a local pediatric practice. She has a small circle of friends, has dated but has not found anyone special. Kate keeps running onto Joel and his nine year old daughter Chloe.
Kate and Joel are attracted to each other. Kate is aware that she and Joel’s late wife Amy are as different as night and day. Kate is painfully shy and she dresses to the nines for self-confidence and always wears high heels. Amy was outgoing and wore conservative clothes. I enjoyed Joel’s struggle with his attraction towards Kate—he adored his late wife. His feelings were raw and filled with emotion and very relatable.
Joel brings Chloe to Kate’s office because she fell and hit her head. Loved that Cindy Kirk was able to portray a mother’s concern from a father’s distress in this chapter. The relationship between the three characters changes as Kate provided some perspective to Chloe’s behaviors and fears. She understands Chloe’s feelings and works to find common ground between father and daughter.
I loved how the relationship between the couple progressed and that Kate’s former boyfriend showed up whenever Joel and Kate got cozy. Joel and Kate’s relationship changes when Chloe is invited for a two week out of town vacation. Loved that they approached “dealing with their attraction” as a business arrangement because both of them were afraid to get hurt.
The no strings arrangement quickly heats up –and I loved reading how both characters came to terms with their feelings. The sexual chemistry between the couple is off the charts. Kate fears her past may come between them. And Joel isn’t quite ready to let go of his feelings for his first wife. I loved the fast paced conclusion of this story-its filled will compassion, forgiveness and love.
If you are looking for a feel good story to read – then this is the book for you! The relationship between Kate, Joel and Chloe will tug at your heartstrings!

[JigsawGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in the Jackson Hole series. Having read both the Good Hope and Holly Pointe series', I am not surprised Jackson Hole is equally enjoyable.

It took so much strength for Kate to put her baby up for adoption. I think it took just as much strength for Kate to be that close to Chloe and try to stay out of her life.

I didn't think I was going to like Kate's character at the beginning. The author took her from this sort of cold, stiff person and walked us through the gradual warm up of her personality. I liked how Kate's past experiences allowed her to be so empathetic to Chloe and Emilie.

Kate and Joel had really great chemistry and forged a connection that had more to do with each other, rather than just Chloe. I did wonder how long Kate thought she could live in this small town that close to her daughter before someone figured out their relationship.

One thing I honestly liked about this book was that after the truth was revealed, both Joel and Kate were hurt and angry, but they still put Chloe first. The anxiety of the situation was not dragged out chapter after chapter. They each took time and tried to figure out how they felt.

This book was about unconditional love, strength, romance, a second chance at love, and the opportunity for a new beginning. This was a great feel good book, especially considering what we are all currently dealing with around the world.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received from the publisher.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melting my heart! This is the fourth book for the Jackson Hole series, and it is a winner. This story is about Chloe, Joel and Dr. Kate. This story is not only a love romance one but one of hard decisions for unplanned pregnancies. I was so touched by this story that I actually cried. Knowing what it feels like to not be able to be a mother to have someone give you a gift of a newborn is something precious. Dr. Kate had to make this decision when she was a resident in medical school, especially at the father of her child didn’t want any part of the child. Joel and his previous wife (who passed away) were not able to conceive on their own due to her health issues, so they choose open adoption and received three-day old Chloe. When Dr. Kate came into Jackson Hole to practice pediatrics, she never thought she would have her daughter as a patient and not be able to let her know.

The story is was well written, allowing Chloe character to have a good say in it was what I love the most. A child knows who to love and always speaks their minds because it comes from the heart. I would love to know more about Miitzi and Dr. Campbell as I have a feeling there is story there… As always Cindy leaves you feeling great once you have read this, so pick up a copy. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily providing my thoughts and opinions.

[Maria Carina · Rating 5 out of 5]

There has always been this spark of attraction between Joel and Kate, but for some reasons that are very private, Kate has always been wary of getting too close to Joel and his adorable little girl, Chloe. She dates casually, has casual social interactions with a group of people, and basically lives her life all on her own. She has lived her life with that word in mind -- casual. But casual gets old after a while.

However, fate played a hand and pushed these 2 unwitting lovers in each other's path, and the rest, as they say is history. It's fun and funny, it's filled with friends and fun and both little and big lover's tiffs. But at the heart of it all, this story is about family -- the family we have and the family we make.

This book tugged at my heartstrings because no mother should ever have to wonder where her daughter is. It was emotional and heartfelt and as always, so beautifully written. There is heat, there is fun, and there is sass (in the form of an adorable 10 year old girl). As always, there are visits from old friends and interesting new ones! It always feels like coming home to friends and family every time I read a Cindy Kirk book, and in these times we live in, we can all use a dose of that!

* I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Melinda Devonshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing the Doctor’s Heart by Cindy Kirk
"I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it."

If you were looking for a feel-good story to read during these stressful times this is the book for you. Kate gave up her baby daughter for adoption while she was in medical school and had no support system to help her be a single mom. She sacrificed her own heart giving up her daughter to a young couple who could not have children on their own. I’ve had a family member in this same situation and it is a heart wrenching decision. You see that in this book. I also have a family member who adopted a child so I saw that side of things also. How grateful you are that someone gave you a child to raise and love. I understand how Kate would jump to a conclusion that her daughter was hurt when the adoptive mom stops contact. I would have tracked down my birth daughter to. Icing on the cake is the love story between Joel (adoptive dad) and Kate. I don’t see how he could not fall in love with her since she’s so much like his daughter in looks and personality. Father and daughter are both drawn to Dr. Kate before they even know who she really is. It was a fast-quick read but it had a lot of emotion in it. I enjoyed it very much.

Melinda 😊

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

We discover that Kate has come to Jackson Hole as she has tracked her biological daughter (to whom she gave birth whilst at Medical School) after regular reports from the adoptive parents stopped arriving. She finds out that the adoptive mother has died and her daughters father is now raising Chloe alone. I loved Joel and Chloe instantly, and I knew what outcome I wanted!

Whilst Joel never wants to forget his first wife, Amy, is is drawn to Kate. The attraction is mutual and when Chloe goes to visit her friend in Montana they embark on a two week affair. When Chloe comes home, Kate and Joel decide to just be friends but it is clear, not least to Chloe, they the two of them care for each other very much. Kate decides that she needs to tell them who she really is and whilst Chloe is immediately accepting of Kate, Joel feels betrayed by her. Only when he sees the daughter of a colleague go through a birth and give the child up for adoption does he realise just what Kate sacrificed and how much he and Amy gained.

This was a swift but enjoyable read and I loved hearing about characters that we had already met and grown to love. Another great story from Cindy.

[Delsora Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do second chances really happen?

In this delightful and heartwarming story of finding family, a woman’s decision years ago, for what she thought were all the right reasons, still tears her apart. But she finds the opportunity for a second chance with the daughter she gave up for adoption.

Becoming a friend and confidant is all she wants. She’s good at distancing herself from emotional attachment. But when she falls in love with, not only her child, but her birth-daughter’s father, all reason flies to the winds. Denying all she wants, the good doctor can’t negate the growing love for the man who is raising her daughter. Their relationship can’t end well. But is retreating from fulfilling her own happiness what is best for all involved?

An emotional journey of ups and downs moves this story through the paces of sacrifice, unconditional love, denial, and the realization that true love can’t be discarded without first making a valiant effort to save the relationship.

Set in Jackson Hole, you will revisit the cast of characters who are all friends. It’s like coming home again, each time you read a book from this series.

I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher for an honest review.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

After getting pregnant as a medical student, Dr. Kate vowed to always protect her biological daughter. She moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming because the promise that the parents of her daughter, Chloe, had not been fulfilling. She hires a private investigator and follows Chloe and her adoptive father, Joel, to their new location.

Joel is determined not to forget his first wife, Amy, but does enjoy the company of Kate when Chloe goes to visit her friend in Montana. When Chloe comes home, Kate and Joel are determined to keep their "friends with benefits" only just friends. Chloe sees how much the two care for each other, and when the secret of Chloe's parentage comes out, she is very happy to have Kate in her life. Joel, not so much, until he sees what she had gone through when his co-worker's daughter gives birth to a son and decides to go through with an open adoption.

A sweet, predictable romance. It was nice to see some of the same "friends" that we had met in earlier Jackson Hole stories.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing the Doctor’s Heart is an amazing book that draws you into the lives of Kate McNeal and Joel Dennes. While Kate was in medical school, she became pregnant. To ensure her baby girl was given the best opportunities, Kate gave her daughter up for adoption. The story picks up nine years later. Kate has broken up with her lawyer boyfriend, Ryan, and Joel, a widower and builder, is concentrating on raising his adoptive daughter Chloe.
Kate, Chloe’s physician is attracted to Joel; however, she is hesitant to pursue a relationship with Joel because she needs to maintain distance between her patients and her personal life. Although Joel is attracted to Kate, he feels like he is being unfaithful to his deceased wife, Amy, if he has feelings for another or begins dating.
But attraction takes over when Chloe goes out of state. Joel and Kate decide to have a fling with no strings attached while Chloe is out of town. However, when Joel realizes that Kate is Chloe’s birth mother, he lashes out and cuts ties with Kate. Will their budding relationship be able to survive?

I received an ARC from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing the book.

[Julie Eichelberger-Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing the Doctor's Heart is the fourth in the Jackson Hole series but can also be read as a stand alone. Kate McNeal gave her baby girl up for adoption when she was in medical school and her boyfriend abandoned her. Part of the adoption was that she would receive regular updates and photos of her daughter, when they stopped she hired an investigator. Now she is living in Jackson Hole where her daughter and widowed father live, never imagining that they would run in the same circles. Although Joel's wife died two years ago, he is not ready to move on until he starts interacting with his daughter's pediatrician. They agree to a two week fling while Chloe is away visiting her grandparents but both are struggling with emotions and not wanting to get too close. The past, secrets and guilt are all working to derail their growing relationship but one little girl is working to keep them together. This is a beautifully written story filled heart, emotions and a wonderful love story.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate is a pediatrician who moved to Jackson Hole to watch from a distance the daughter she gave up for adoption. Then fate stepped in and Chloe became her patient. This allows Kate to get to know Chloe and her dad Joel. Joel and Kate have mutual friends who notice the attraction between them that they try to deny. Joel, being a widower, hasn't dated and is struggling with the idea. Kate is trying not to get too close as she knows her secret could lead to heartache. Mitzi, a friend of Kate's that came to visit, prods Kate to admit that she is interested in Joel. A party and some time spent together and they can no longer deny their attraction. They have to navigate their growing relationship while each of them guard their hearts from being hurt. Kate also knows that she can't take it the relationship too far because of her secret yet if she tells them it could end the joy she feels being with them. A story with characters will of doubt, guilt, joy and kindness. Beautifully written for all to understand how being shy is so difficult and adoption is an amazing, heartfelt gift.

[Laura Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching story about a doctor who loves children and has set up practice in Jackson Hole. She has a secret that no one knows except her best friend. Keeping this secret means staying away from handsome Joel and his wondeful daughter Chloe. Fate has a way of leading us by our heart and not our heads and thus becomes the conflict in our dear Dr. Kate.

Joel lost his wife a couple of years back and has spent all his time with his daughter denying his feeling for Kate and his needs as a man. Chloe has a different plan and encourages the two people she loves to get together. Little do they know Kate's secret will impact their lives and their hearts forever.

I was given an advanced copy , ARC, of this book for an honest review. This is another well done book in the Jackson Hole series. Kirk always creates characters you feel like you know. They have heart and are so human you cannot help but love her stories.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate gabe birth to a baby girl 10 years ago. She hired a P.I. to find her. At three days old, baby girl was adoptes by Joel and Amy. Kate is a doctor. Amy has since passed away, and Joel moved with his daughter. He owns a construction business. Joel has no idea that Kate is his daughter's biological Mother. The daughter, Chloe, goes on vacation with her best friends family for 2 weeks, in which time Kate and Joel enter into a friends with benefits arrangement. When Chloe returns, months go by, and they have stopped all relations. Chloe finds a photo of a younger Kate, and comments that they look exactly alike. Joel sees the same photo and ask if she is Chloe's birth Mother. He is upset that she basically moved into their lives. He asks her to come over so they can tell Chloe together. They talk, and he proposes, and she says Yes! 6 months later they are 3 months married, and expecting a new family member!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Danielle Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it."
Healing the Doctor's Heart is the fourth book in the Jackson Hole series. The story focuses on Kate McNeal, Joel Dennes and his nine year old daughter, Chloe. Kate is a physician who has recently moved to Jackson Hole and becomes involved in the lives of Joel and Chloe as Chloe's doctor, but she harbours a secret. Kate is Chloe's biological mother.
Kate swore to herself that she only wanted to get to know Chloe and Joel; nothing more. As time goes on and the more time they spend together, Kate's resolve begins to weaken.
Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. If you're a fan of the Good Hope series, also by Ms Kirk or have read the other three books in the series, then this is a must read. You will not be disappointed!

[Bandora · Rating 4 out of 5]

The residents of Jackson Hole are becoming as familiar and loved as the residents of Good Hope are to me so I enjoyed seeing how characters from earlier installments in the series are doing.

I worried that I wouldn't enjoy this story because I've already read the "bio mother that gave baby up for adoption moves into town to check on the child and falls in love with father" story and I was afraid that it would be the same. I was pleased that there was enough uniqueness to the story that it didn't feel like I had read this before.

It took me a while to warm up to the characters, I wasn't emotionally invested until more than halfway through the story but by the end I was cheering for them.

I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Nancy Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing the Doctors heart is the fourth book in the Jackson Hole series but would also make a great stand alone . I really enjoy reading series as it lets you see back into the lives of the previous characters. Kate had to make a difficult choice and give up her baby girl but wanted updates. When those updates stopped Kate went to find out why and found herself involved in Chloes life and then falling in love with Chloes Dad. A journey of secrets,love and a happy ending. I wish it had been longer but I still recommend it . I have enjoyed all of Cindy's stories and love to pass them on to family and friends , never having to worry about language or topics that may offend.
I received a ARC from the publisher and this is my honest review.

[Melissa Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Cindy does it again!! I’m thoroughly enjoying this series!!
Katie gave up her daughter for adoption when she was in medical school to Joel and his wife. Joel’s wife dies and Kate loses the contact she was receiving about her daughter’s well being. She hired a private detective and lands in Jackson Hole to see how Chloe is. She becomes a pediatrician in the town sho gets close to Chloe through her practice. Soon she starts to get close to Joel. They start a “friends with benefits” relationship while Chloe is out of town and they soon realize it has become more than that.

This was a beautiful story! A definite must read!!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it. HEALING THE DOCTOR'S HEART is a great story about love, loss and healing. Kate moves to practice medicine in Jackson Hole Wyoming with a big secret. Kate has made friends since she moved to Jackson Hole but has keeps from getting real close to anyone including Ryan her boyfriend. She decides that Ryan is looking for more than she gives so she breaks up with him. Lexi just wants to see her happy. Lexi and Kate are at the town coffee shop and in comes Joel and Chloe. Lexi strikes up a conversation with Joel and notices that Kate has an interest in Joel. Kate denies this. After this interaction they seem to keep crossing paths. Keep reading it’s a great story.

[Liz Noke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it.

This is the fourth book in the Jackson Hole series and this is Kate and Joel's story. However, it is also Chloe's story. This is a story of second chances not just in love but as a mother. This book is the story of Joel and Kate's love but it's also about both the giving up of a child for adoption and the life that child has lead without her birth mother. A mother's love is boundless and never-ending and Chloe's birth mother proves this in her quest to be there for her and in her need to be loved wholly for who she is.

A great story that will captivate you and make you not want to put the book down.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate McNeal gave her daughter up for adoption when her boyfriend abandoned her and she had several years of medical school left. The adoptive parents promised to send regular updates, but after 8 years the updates stopped. Worried something had happened she hired a private detective to make sure her daughter was okay. Kate found out the adoptive mother had passed away. She made the decision to relocate, but to not be a part of their lives. Too bad adoptive dad Joel Dennes strikes a cord with Kate no other man has. What happens when the truth comes out?

I received an ARC from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Susan McClintock · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This is an reissue of a book originally in Cindy Kirk’s RX for Love series. Doctor Kate gave up her child nine years ago. Joel and his wife Amy adopted Chloe. When Amy died, the agreed upon updates stopped coming. Kate hired a PI who found out that Amy died. She takes a job at the pediatric clinic in the same town as Joel and Chloe. Of course, they choose her as a Dr, and Joel and Kate are attracted to each other. But the big secret threatens to tear them apart. The ending seemed a bit rushed, and everything seem to be resolved too easily. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Tanya Greenaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy and I'm reviewing voluntarily.

Dr Kate, Joel and Chloe's story is a story of love in all forms.

Chloe is a 9/10 year old who was adopted as a baby, her birth mother was a young medical student with no partner. She didn't have a network of family and friends so she decided it would be best to have chloe adopted.

Amy and Joel couldn't have children of their own, when the adopted Chloe their dreams were fulfilled, until Amy took sick and passed away.

Joel, now a single parent decided to move from Montana to Jackson hole, where he continued to raise his daughter.....

Read the book to find out what happened !!!

[brittani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I immediately related to Kate who felt as though she had loads of "social friends" but no real friends in her small town. I appreciated the way the character's stories were weaved through the lenses of themselves, as well as the other small town residents. Ms. Kirk did a wonderful job of touching on so many subjects, such as family dynamics, loss, moving on, regret, and forgiveness. My only reason for the 4 star review is that I found the ending to be abrupt. I would have loved another few chapters before getting happily ever after.

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Anissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

I love Cindy Kirk's ability to pull you in and relate with characters - I found myself relating to Kate who was viewed as "aloof or snobbish" but truly just shy and awkward in social settings. I appreciated the way the character's stories were weaved through the lenses of themselves, as well as the other small town residents. Ms. Kirk did a wonderful job of touching on so many subjects, such as family dynamics, loss, moving on, regret, and forgiveness. Even though this is the 4th book in the series, it can definitely be a stand-alone read.

[Maria Grass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
This book has to be among one of my favourite Cindy Kirk books. Kate and Joel were fantastic characters and totally deserved their HEA. This book was very close to my heart as it looked at the adoption process through by sets of eyes, the birth mother and adoptive parents. I thought this was very sensitively handled and extremely well researched. When I started reading the book I could not put it down and completed it in 24 hours. I so recommend this book. I look forward to more books from the Jackson hole series