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Nebraska Historicals #8
To Have and to Hold
In Eye of the Beholder, Mary Larson left Maine for a new life in Nebraska, a new life that almost ended at the train station if not for Dave Larson. Six years later in To Have and To Hold, Mary's journey continues. All her dreams for marriage and children have come true, and she couldn't be happier, until a fateful accident erases her memory...
Now she has to adjust to life as the wife of Dave Larson and mother to Isaac and Rachel. When news of her father’s impending death comes from Maine, Dave suggests they travel to her hometown in an effort to help her recover her memories.
In Maine, Mary will come face to face with the family she left behind. Will her love for Dave be enough to overcome the unpleasant aspects of her past, or will past insecurities keep her from regaining her former happiness?
Now she has to adjust to life as the wife of Dave Larson and mother to Isaac and Rachel. When news of her father’s impending death comes from Maine, Dave suggests they travel to her hometown in an effort to help her recover her memories.
In Maine, Mary will come face to face with the family she left behind. Will her love for Dave be enough to overcome the unpleasant aspects of her past, or will past insecurities keep her from regaining her former happiness?
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2012
45 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Ann Nordin
172 books713 followersWhat's to say? I write a lot. I read often. I sleep little. Once in awhile, I've been known to clean the house. A number of kids live in my house and there's this guy they call dad and I call husband. All in all, it's a pretty good life. :-)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 30, 2018
This is a follow up to the book
my review for it https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dave and Mary have been married for a 6 years and still loving each other as much as the beginning and have added two kids to their family. But one day Mary has a fall and loses her memory and doesn't remember who she is and nothing of her life or past. The doctor believes that it is temporary and not to truly worry. While she has moments of memory she gets a letter from her favorite sister telling her that their father doesn't have much longer to live. So Dave and his family think that her memory might be helped if they go back for a visit. Mary doesn't remember her past but she feels very uneasy about the trip but she doesn't know why.
I like this follow up since I really liked the couple and it was interesting to find out why Mary felt like she did in the first book and seeing her deal with it all. She frustrated me a couple times but again she really stepped up too. I just love Dave. A good guy but doesn't take BS either. I also enjoyed seeing them kinda fall in love and revisit their fall again. Their kids were a sweet add. So a really nice revisit to a sweet couple.
my review for it https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...Dave and Mary have been married for a 6 years and still loving each other as much as the beginning and have added two kids to their family. But one day Mary has a fall and loses her memory and doesn't remember who she is and nothing of her life or past. The doctor believes that it is temporary and not to truly worry. While she has moments of memory she gets a letter from her favorite sister telling her that their father doesn't have much longer to live. So Dave and his family think that her memory might be helped if they go back for a visit. Mary doesn't remember her past but she feels very uneasy about the trip but she doesn't know why.
I like this follow up since I really liked the couple and it was interesting to find out why Mary felt like she did in the first book and seeing her deal with it all. She frustrated me a couple times but again she really stepped up too. I just love Dave. A good guy but doesn't take BS either. I also enjoyed seeing them kinda fall in love and revisit their fall again. Their kids were a sweet add. So a really nice revisit to a sweet couple.
March 20, 2012
Book 7: To Have and to Hold
Fall in love with Dave and Mary all over again. Their story is so special and I can truly relate as my husband treats me as Dave treats Mary...as his precious treasure. Dave sees beyond what others see and knows what a gift Mary is. I really enjoyed this story.
Poor Dave has always had a poor memory, he goes to the store just to forget what he wanted to buy. And now he has to remember for both of them as Mary takes a fall and loses her memories. She wakes up to see three strangers who are really her husband and children. When they receive a letter that Mary's dad is on his deathbed, they decide to visit Maine to see him and they hope it will trigger Mary's memories returning there as well. Deep down she has a bad feeling about going back, that those memories should remain buried. The villains of this story are definitely all but a couple members of Mary's family. Can Dave's love for his wife help her overcome the negative environment she grew up in?
I really did enjoy it. It's a good reminder not to let other peoples negative views decide how we think of ourselves and to accept those who see us through love. I thought Ruth did a great job of bringing the emotions out from the characters to the reader.
**Sexual situations within marriage.
Fall in love with Dave and Mary all over again. Their story is so special and I can truly relate as my husband treats me as Dave treats Mary...as his precious treasure. Dave sees beyond what others see and knows what a gift Mary is. I really enjoyed this story.
Poor Dave has always had a poor memory, he goes to the store just to forget what he wanted to buy. And now he has to remember for both of them as Mary takes a fall and loses her memories. She wakes up to see three strangers who are really her husband and children. When they receive a letter that Mary's dad is on his deathbed, they decide to visit Maine to see him and they hope it will trigger Mary's memories returning there as well. Deep down she has a bad feeling about going back, that those memories should remain buried. The villains of this story are definitely all but a couple members of Mary's family. Can Dave's love for his wife help her overcome the negative environment she grew up in?
I really did enjoy it. It's a good reminder not to let other peoples negative views decide how we think of ourselves and to accept those who see us through love. I thought Ruth did a great job of bringing the emotions out from the characters to the reader.
**Sexual situations within marriage.
July 26, 2016
April 2014, had to reread this along with Eye of the Beholder (1st), though I recommend you read them in order by sibling - just wanted a Mary & Dave fix
Love Ruth Ann Nordin's books and this series - mostly of the Larson family...
This is the best order to read these in (per Ruth Ann Nordin's website 05/14):
1 - Her Heart’s Desire (Nebraska Book 1) – Sally Larson’s romance
2 - A Bride for Tom (Nebraska Book 2) – Tom Larson’s romance
3 - A Husband for Margaret (Nebraska Book 3) – Joseph Conneally’s romance
4- Eye of the Beholder (Nebraska Book 4) – Dave Larson and Mary’s first book
5 - The Wrong Husband (Nebraska Book 5) – Jenny Larson’s romance
6 - Shotgun Groom (Nebraska Book 6) – Joel Larson’s romance
7 - To Have and To Hold (Nebraska Book 7) – Dave and Mary’s Second Book
8 - His Redeeming Bride (Nebraska Book 8) – Neil Craftsman’s romance
9 - Isaac’s Decision (Nebraska Book 9) – Isaac Larson and Emily Craftsman’s romance
July 11, 2014
They found each other twice
Dave and Mary were happily married with two small children. When a bump on the head brought out amnesia, Dave had to woo his wife a second time. Fortunately for him, their love was so strong that it didn't take long. But remembering all the little things that make us who we are was somewhat more challenging.
These two were favorites of mine from their first story, "Eye of the Beholder" and it was a delight to visit them again. Both books are stand-alone, this is NOT one of those cases where you get to the end of the book only to find that you have to buy another to read the rest of the story.
Dave and Mary were happily married with two small children. When a bump on the head brought out amnesia, Dave had to woo his wife a second time. Fortunately for him, their love was so strong that it didn't take long. But remembering all the little things that make us who we are was somewhat more challenging.
These two were favorites of mine from their first story, "Eye of the Beholder" and it was a delight to visit them again. Both books are stand-alone, this is NOT one of those cases where you get to the end of the book only to find that you have to buy another to read the rest of the story.
June 25, 2019
The second in the "Dave and Mary Larson" trilogy is a true treasure. Looking into what makes Mary who she was and who she is made for a wonderful excursion. Dave once again comes through like a knight in shining armor for his true love. I am waiting impatiently for "Forever Yours" to complete their tale.
April 8, 2021
Going through the author's book list, I found this gem I have read years ago.
I thought I wrote a review at the time. It is never too late, right... smile.
I have a great admiration for Ruth Ann's writing and have learned valuable lessons from her experiences. Her book series are books that ingrains itself into your mind and when prompted like with this book, you can still remember the story. Maybe not the smaller details, but the struggles and acceptance of the characters stayed with me.
Each character develops with each book, from being an outlaw or misfit - everyone gets a second change. The snag in this book is about memory loss and to find love again. A brilliantly told tale of love that surpasses the brain in search of the one that truly makes them happy. A must read in the series.
I thought I wrote a review at the time. It is never too late, right... smile.
I have a great admiration for Ruth Ann's writing and have learned valuable lessons from her experiences. Her book series are books that ingrains itself into your mind and when prompted like with this book, you can still remember the story. Maybe not the smaller details, but the struggles and acceptance of the characters stayed with me.
Each character develops with each book, from being an outlaw or misfit - everyone gets a second change. The snag in this book is about memory loss and to find love again. A brilliantly told tale of love that surpasses the brain in search of the one that truly makes them happy. A must read in the series.
June 17, 2021
The Eye of the Beholder (Part 1) of this trilogy featuring Dave and Mary is one of my all time favourites, my go to comfort read. Dave and Mary are the epitome of a wonderful and loving couple. The only one that's shows both as absolute equals, and this one continues in the same vein.
In this book, Mary has a simple fall resulting in a total.loss of memory and as days pass by, she starts remembering her days in Nebraska but absolutely nothing from her life before coming to Omaha. When she gets news of her father's illness, Dave and Mary make a trip to meet her family. And what a terrible, toxic family! One that can be forgotten forever!
It's a pleasant followup to their original story and a definite recommendation 👍
In this book, Mary has a simple fall resulting in a total.loss of memory and as days pass by, she starts remembering her days in Nebraska but absolutely nothing from her life before coming to Omaha. When she gets news of her father's illness, Dave and Mary make a trip to meet her family. And what a terrible, toxic family! One that can be forgotten forever!
It's a pleasant followup to their original story and a definite recommendation 👍
November 15, 2022
Must-read if you enjoyed Mary and Dave Larson's story in Eye of the Beholder (a confort book for me). Ruth Ann Nordin writes always great stories and always stays an instant buy.
Triggers: body issues/ insecurities
Hero: 10/10 he is just my type.
Heroine: 10/10 loved her strength and her fight against her past
Romance:100/10
Smut: 7/10 really nice and tender. Fits the characters
Critique: None.
Mood: Read if you want to feel loved by a Nebraska farmer. Also felt very helpful in healing past scars.
One book closer to having read all her Books. And as always I'm going to read more and more, practically as soon as they come out.
Triggers: body issues/ insecurities
Hero: 10/10 he is just my type.
Heroine: 10/10 loved her strength and her fight against her past
Romance:100/10
Smut: 7/10 really nice and tender. Fits the characters
Critique: None.
Mood: Read if you want to feel loved by a Nebraska farmer. Also felt very helpful in healing past scars.
One book closer to having read all her Books. And as always I'm going to read more and more, practically as soon as they come out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2025
5 "I love you more each day" stars!!!!!!
Dave and Mary are one of my all time favorite couples!! So sweet, so in love, so beautiful in their own ways and the way they love each other!!!!! Seeing them fall in love with each other all over again was such a beautiful experience!!! And the love they share with their beautiful kids!!! This book made me tear up all in the right ways!!!
Dave and Mary are one of my all time favorite couples!! So sweet, so in love, so beautiful in their own ways and the way they love each other!!!!! Seeing them fall in love with each other all over again was such a beautiful experience!!! And the love they share with their beautiful kids!!! This book made me tear up all in the right ways!!!
October 15, 2023
I enjoyed this because I love this couple and was happy to read more moments involving them but I really don’t like flashbacks so I didn’t enjoy the actual story, it was also very repetitive to the first book as she was piecing back her memory.
October 28, 2023
I wanted Mary’s mother to eat dust sooooo bad. What a miserable woman
April 6, 2012
When I first started to read this series, I thought I would really enjoy it. However, the more of Ruth Ann Nordin's books I read the less I enjoy them. It just feels like if you read one you've read them all. They more or less follow the same premise. I was drawn to the first book because it had a "G" rating. But, as I continue to read more of the following books in this series they have become "R" rated. Therefore, I don't think I will be reading anymore books in this series.
In Eye of the Beholder, Mary Larson left Maine for a new life in Nebraska, a new life that almost ended at the train station if not for Dave Larson. Six years later in To Have and To Hold, Mary's journey continues. All her dreams for marriage and children have come true, and she couldn't be happier, until a fateful accident erases her memory...
Now she has to adjust to life as the wife of Dave Larson and mother to Isaac and Rachel. When news of her father’s impending death comes from Maine, Dave suggests they travel to her hometown in an effort to help her recover her memories.
In Maine, Mary will come face to face with the family she left behind. Will her love for Dave be enough to overcome the unpleasant aspects of her past, or will past insecurities keep her from regaining her former happiness?
Even though the storyline was alright, I hated the bedroom scenes, therefore, I am only awarding this book 1*
In Eye of the Beholder, Mary Larson left Maine for a new life in Nebraska, a new life that almost ended at the train station if not for Dave Larson. Six years later in To Have and To Hold, Mary's journey continues. All her dreams for marriage and children have come true, and she couldn't be happier, until a fateful accident erases her memory...
Now she has to adjust to life as the wife of Dave Larson and mother to Isaac and Rachel. When news of her father’s impending death comes from Maine, Dave suggests they travel to her hometown in an effort to help her recover her memories.
In Maine, Mary will come face to face with the family she left behind. Will her love for Dave be enough to overcome the unpleasant aspects of her past, or will past insecurities keep her from regaining her former happiness?
Even though the storyline was alright, I hated the bedroom scenes, therefore, I am only awarding this book 1*
August 7, 2014
Loved! Loved! Loved! This book. I loved reading more about Mary and Dave. Some of it upset me how her family was to her but the way she finally stood up for herself and how she changed during her time in Nebraska were perfect. I couldn't imagine living a life like she had to live growing up. Sure I had my own issues but never with my own family. This story just goes to show how people are and how people should be even though those are hard to find.
April 7, 2012
I really enjoyed this sequel to Dave & Mary's story. I loved that she was able to stand up for herself against her mom& other family members. I also like how it emphasizes looking beyond the obvious physical traits & seeing the real person.
January 28, 2014
This book in the Nebraska series is a continuation of the story of Mary and Dave. Mary gets amnesia and Dave takes her back to Maine in an attempt to help her regain her memory. Will it work or will it backfire and Dave lose Mary entirely?
February 6, 2015
I didnt read book 1-6/ but I have to say book 7 was great! I didn't realize it was the seventh book until I was about 30 pages into it and by that time I was already hooked. It was a great book. At some point I will read the others! Ruth Ann Nordin is a great story teller!
October 8, 2012
I just have to say I am glad get to hear from this couple again. Hate circumstances, but seem to get to fall in love again.
June 14, 2013
This was a book that I was not able to put down until I finished reading it.
March 18, 2016
First read March 28,2014
April 24, 2016
Disappointed
I found it boring with a unpleasant story line, nothing like the others in the series only continued too read due to it being part of a series.
I found it boring with a unpleasant story line, nothing like the others in the series only continued too read due to it being part of a series.
April 30, 2017
Simple, it could have been better. Still, I like the main characters a lot.
August 11, 2018
This was a touching story! I loved it from start to finish
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews