Foster dad Patrick Callahan would do anything to prevent the siblings he fosters from being separated. But that means he’ll have to partner with his ex-fiancée, Torey Bryant, to save the local community center. With Patrick’s old-school ideas and Torey’s high-tech upgrades, the pair can’t agree on anything. Could accepting their differences keep the children together—and give them a forever family?
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Award-winning author Laurel Blount writes captivating romances full of grit and grace—with characters who’ll walk right off the page and into your heart. She lives on a farm in Georgia with her husband, their four fabulous kids, and an assortment of ridiculously spoiled animals. Connect with her at www.laurelblountbooks.com
This is another delightful return to the small Georgia mountain town of Cedar Ridge and a visit with Ruby Sawyer and her family made of love, not blood. Ruby cared for and raised kids, with a good basis in faith, that the foster system failed and now she is making sure that they all have their happy endings in love. When Ruby collapsed her daughter Torey left her dream job in Atlanta to take care of her and temporarily help run the Hope Center for children. Patrick is fostering a brother and sister with hopes to adopt them one day. He is also helping with the Hope Center, which is awkward since he and Torey have a past that didn't end well. This book touched my heart with the lovely characters and their heartbreaking stories that made me hope that all would end well despite some rough obstacles. This has a heartwarming ending sure to bring a smile to your face, a story of family, forgiveness, and love. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review, and these are my thoughts.
I found this book to be uplifting and a very meaningful read. A Family to Foster is Author Laurel Blount’s fourth book about Ruby Sawyer and her grownup Foster family. I’ve come to love Ruby and her family and the strong family ties that they have. This book focuses on Ruby’s foster daughter Torey Bryant and Patrick Callahan. I think this book is the best one so far in this series. Two adorable elementary school aged kids and a timid dog stole my heart. I was drawn in from the first page and loved every moment I spent reading this story. It was entertaining, romantic, cute and a good family book. The ending was beautiful and bought me to tears of happiness.
Patrick Callahan and Torey were engaged years ago but when the engagement was broken Torey moved to Atlanta . Now she’s back for a while helping her foster Mother Ruby Sawyer as she recovers from a recent illness. Patrick has become a Foster single parent to Josh and Jill but the boy is constantly in trouble at school. Patrick and Torey meet again when he seeks help for Josh at The Hope Center. They want nothing to do with one another but are thrown together when Ruby asks them to reopen the Hope Center and run it until she can hire a permanent person for that position. What does Ruby have up her sleeve for Patrick and Torey? Will Ruby try to be a Matchmaker again?
I recommend A Family to Foster to readers of Love Inspired Contemporary Romance and to fans of the Author. For a better reading experience I recommend reading this series in the order that it was written. Characters are carried over from previous books. This book is scheduled to be released on 8/22/23.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
I loved “A Family To Foster”! Book 4 in the Cedar Ridge series, these books always feel like warm hugs combined with a healthy dose of Ruby Sawyer’s good sense, and this book was no exception!
It was definitely a page-turner! I read straight through from beginning to end, because I couldn’t wait to see how it all turned out! However, I will confess to stopping at Chapter Two to bake cookies and brew a pot of tea, because I am vulnerable to the power of suggestion when it comes to reading about food, warmth and coziness!
The main characters, Torey Bryant (one of Ruby’s foster daughters) and Patrick Callahan, Torey’s ex-fiancé (who is fostering a troubled boy and his younger sister) are truly unforgettable. And it was so very nice to be reacquainted with all the other familiar members of Ruby Sawyer’s family.
This book has it all - love, joy, heartache, redemption, forgiveness, dedication and integrity. And it all happens in Autumn, in the cool mountains of Georgia, within the most fiercely dedicated family, against the backdrop of God working in mysterious ways.
* I received a complimentary copy for review from the author and publisher. My opinions are strictly my own
A Family To Foster by Laurel Blount! This is another great inspirational book about Ruby Sawyer and her Foster family, As Ruby is playing matchmaker again can she bring 2 people that she loves so much together as they try to save her amazing local community center ! This is such an amazing book and a page turner! I highly recommend this book! I was given a compilatory copy and this is my own honest opinion!
I enjoyed this book by Laurel Blount. This series has been a good one. This book is about fostering children, adoption, love, forgiveness and second chances. I highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
What a great story of how the foster parents and children can find love. Patrick Callahan is a foster dad to 2 kids, and he wants to keep them together and with him. He also wants to start a local community center with the help of an old flame, Torey Bryant. Can these 2 help each other in building this center and keeping the kids from losing the parent they love and who loves them? I was gifted an ARC copy but not required to leave a review These are my own words about the book..
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
Wow. This couple has layers of hurt and distrust build over secrets and honorable motives. Add to that a couple of foster kids, one a bit of a troublemaker, and a matchmaking mom... Oh my!
It almost sounds like a mess, but it was a heart-tugging sweet story. So enjoyable!
Author Laurel Blount writes inspirational stories showcasing compassion, faith, and hope in ordinary lives like foster dad Patrick Callahan, who will do anything to keep the siblings he is fostering together. One thing that is needed is updating the community center that serves as a place for kids to learn techy stuff and not so techy stuff. Unfortunately, Patrick and his ex-fiancée, Torey Bryant, are thrown together to figure out a way to save the much-needed community center. However, Patrick and Torey cannot agree on anything. They soon learn they need to put the needs of the children first ahead of their own feelings. Can they find a way and, in the process, give them a forever family? I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions are my own.
A Family To Foster is #4 in Laurel Blounts Cedar Ridge series. This heart warming story centers on foster dad, Patrick Callahan & the brother/sister kids he's fighting the system for. CPS wants to adopt the young sister out, but place the troubled, defiant older brother in an orphanage, but Patrick is determined to have them placed together.
Eventually, Patrick bumps into ex-fiance, Tory Bryant & finds himself having to work with her to reopen the local community center for problem kids. Can Patrick & Tory put aside harsh feelings & effectively work together to save the center? And will Patrick succeed in getting his foster kids adopted out together?
This story pulls at your heartstrings, offers hope & restoration, as well as forgiveness & healing from damaging scars from the past.
Laurel's books are always filled with lessons to be learned, compassion, love & humor. I would definitely recommend this book & the entire series for a wonderful read. So get the books & settle in with a mug of tea & enjoy!
I received an advanced copy of A Family To Foster by the publishers, with no expecations & all thought & opinions are strictly mine.
This endearing tale will tug at your heart as you root for the foster children to find their forever home and for Patrick Callahan to overcome his past and be able to be their dad. Add in a floundering after-school center and his former fiancée, Torey Bryant, and you have a powerful story that offers plenty of tension and trouble. One theme of this novel is that of love and how it can win over all. Another is a place to belong—no matter your age. I enjoyed this Cedar Ridge setting and it made me want to read the other books in this series. I think the author for providing a review copy. All opinions are my own.
I loved this book. Patrick has had to deal with trouble in the past and the break up with Torey. He is in the fostering a set of siblings but is trying to keep them from being split up. Patrick determination and Torey's past of being a foster child helps both see that there are things are sometimes beyond our control. This story is about second chances and forgiveness. You will laugh and cry with the story line. I was given a copy of this book and I am under no obligation to give a positive review.
One of the things (and there are many) I love about this author is her deft, just-right touch on social issues. This story highlights the problems in the fostering system, but Laurel weaves such a marvelous story around the vulnerability of children, it's an easy read. Not sure how many characters I fell in love with...Josh, the troubled teen with a soft spot for his younger sister; Torey, who has her own issues with being vulnerable; Patrick, who just can't seem to get a break; or the irascible Ruby, the woman who loves them all. I even adored Lexie the dog...as did everyone who met her. I hated for it to end. In the meantime, looking forward to another trip to Cedar Ridge! Soon!!
This book was a very special story. Patrick is a foster parent to a brother and sister. Torrey comes back to town to help out at the community center. Patrick also helping there. Patrick is such a special father. I love how he got a dog for the children. This is one of the best Love inspired books I have read.
I brought this book from the reader service. This book review is my own opinion.
I adore stories by Laurel Blount. They have so much heart and they just draw me in every time with characters that steal my heart(usually adorable kiddos!) and storylines that pull at every heartstring I have. For this story, I was so invested in Josh and Jill to finally find their forever home and the stability they so desperately needed. The last couple chapters were so good and about made me bawl. I loved everything about this story and I can’t wait for Laurel’s next one!
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Thank you in advance to the author, Laurel Blount, for providing a complimentary review copy through her launch team. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
This is the fourth, but hardly final book in the author’s Cedar Ridge series.
When it comes to books in a series, I’m one who tends to STRONGLY prefer to read the books in order. Even ones that can act as a standalone, especially if there are recurring characters. Oftentimes, there are events that are slightly referenced, and reading the book the event was referenced in sets the tone and stage for the series.
This is no exception.
Those who’ve read the previous three books – Lost and Found Faith (Neil & Maggie); Her Mountain Refuge (Logan & Charlotte); and Together for the Twins (Ryder & Elise). There’s also Jina and Ruby. And, of course, Torey – which this is her story. But, don’t be fooled by the cutesy little cover, this is one of those realistic, emotional, heart-tugging, and inspirational stories that highlights the reality of foster/adoption preferences and placements.
Blount introduces us to:
🧰 Patrick 🧸 Jill (5-years-old) 💻 Josh (12-years-old; computer prodigy) 🚗 Ron (Patrick’s father) 🗂️ Mitzi (social worker) ⛔ Barton (has a problem with the center re-opening)
For some people, adoption and foster care can be a tricky and sometimes triggering subject; even more so when siblings are separated, or a separation is possible.
This jumps right into the plot and heart of the story. It begins with Josh, in trouble at school, and it deals with a very serious issue – computer hacking. Thankfully it is limited to changing school menus, Fridays off, and he is no longer taking English. The funniest thing – changing the mascot from a tiger to a possum 🤣
However, this is concerning to the social worker – Mitzi. This brings up Patrick’s suitability as a foster parent, especially given his father being a criminal as well as some of Patrick’s cousins. And, it seems she’s looking for ANY reason to remove the kids from Patrick’s care, since this is his first placement. She’s also wondering how he even qualified to be a foster parent in the first place.
However, with Josh’s issues – placement for him is problematic. Mitzi thinks a group home for him would help his sister be placed easier, thus separating the two. Jill is younger, a girl, and definitely easier to place.
That isn’t sitting well with Patrick. He offers to do better, and the one place he can think of to help with Josh – the Hope Center.
Torey is trying to get the dilapidated center up and running, but she faces budget issues and is trying to take care of Ruby. The last person she wanted to see was the man who broke her heart – Patrick.
But, the people need each other – him to help out with repairs since he is a mechanic, and her ability to run it, at least until a new director can be found and she can return home to Atlanta.
The two agree to work together. Patrick wants the center to focus on life skills – budgeting, some auto repair, dressing for interviews. Torey wants to focus more on computers – video games as well as computer literacy, which she feels would aid in higher attendance. With Ruby moderating, they focus on both. But, they also face opposition in each other, as well as Barton Meyers.
After a few kinks, they work everything out, but that doesn’t solve the issue of Josh, that is until Patrick adopts a dog. Patrick also focuses on moving from fostering to adoption.
Another surprise in Patrick’s life – his father shows up. While the last time he did, he ended up stealing from Patrick, Ron promises he’s a changed man. But, with the adoption of the kids on the line, Patrick isn’t sure he wants to risk it.
And, Torey is reconsidering returning to Atlanta – not only because she loves Cedar Ridge, but she and Patrick are beginning to get close again; and she’s even closer with Josh and Jill.
Blount creates a beautiful, heartfelt, and inspiring story with themes of second changes, forgiveness, and hope. This is evident when Mrs. Darnell mentions “optimism, faith and encouragement” in reference to Mitzi lacking the elements in her reports on Patrick and the kids.
I have to admit, I have had a problem with social workers that stems from when I was between 8-10 years old. It was an incident in California, which not many people know about. It wasn’t criminal (on my end) – but was traumatizing for someone my age. And, even with trying to manage my mother’s care over the past year – well, social workers and case managers are on my list of “least liked people”. So, when I “met” Mitzi – instant dislike. Just instant dislike. And, after reading this, I am sure others might agree with me.
As much as I hate to give a spoiler, one thing I CANNOT stand is when social workers and foster homes split siblings up. It, to me, is quite REPREHENSIBLE unless there is a good reason (abuse, crime pattern, etc.).
While in this case, Mitzi was considering it to give Jill a better chance at adoption, I am CERTAIN there would be families that would take Josh as well. And, this should be a wake-up call that the system needs to do better for kids. I totally stood behind Patrick when he said it wasn’t right to shuffle the kids around. After all, they’re not cards. Sadly, it is a realistic and recurring them in real life. Kids using trash bag for their belongings is another stark reality.
As far as how everyone treated Patrick regarding his “dis-engagement” from Torey. I get everyone was upset and cared about her, but asking why he did it might’ve yielded the answer and some understanding. Though, his reasoning was sweet.
On the romance end – this was a second-chance type of romance. Though the story had more emphasis on Jill and Josh’s foster placement; and getting the center running rather than the romance between Torey and Patrick. For those wondering if Ruby was up to her matchmaking ways – well … you definitely have to read this book. Little note – I definitely had to wonder what was up with her.
There was a moment, closer to the beginning, when Torey said something a bit “strong” to Patrick, and I felt she could’ve handled it a better way. She did apologize and, during the course of the story, worked to redeem herself.
And, as far as Josh – oh, without spoiling I will say this – I LOVED what he did towards the end regarding a certain character. I was trying so hard not to cheer him on. It was one of those “wrong things for the right reasons”.
This book grabbed me right in, and I ended up reading about half of it inside of three (3) hours. I would’ve read more, but it was early in the morning (around 3am) and I NEEDED to get some sleep. I picked it back up later the next day as I had some things I had to do (ugh, housework) before I could settle in for my “reading time” and I was able to jump right back in. I finished it inside of a 24-hour period.
While it didn’t seem rushed in anyway, this was definitely one of those stories that took off and kept running. It certainly didn’t lag at all.
I am EAGERLY awaiting another return to Cedar Ridge to follow-up on Torey and Patrick along with the others. I still have a few of her backlist titles on the TBR stack. I’m also looking forward to Blount’s Home from the Storm – her final book in the Johns Mill Amish Romance series from Berkley – coming later this year.
Fans of the author won’t want to miss this read!
Since this is distributed by Love Inspired, there will be some references to faith. They are not that heavy, and provide the readers with the chance to see God’s work through certain acts.
Two adorable children in need of a home, a rescue pet for them to love, and two social workers who exemplify the worst and the best in our foster care system are part of a memorable return to Cedar Ridge, Georgia. A Family to Foster offers another relevant look at foster care and an especially poignant reunion with Ruby Sawyer, who's once again available to offer love and encouragement. Torey Bryant has temporarily returned to Cedar Ridge, Patrick Callahan has agreed to foster two young children, and Miss Ruby is ready with advice and prayer!
Blount shares a sweet story of romance, second chances, faith, and forgiveness. She's pulled out all of the emotional stops and there were times when her words were dimmed by my tears. A Family to Foster is pure reading enjoyment!
I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
A FAMILY TO FOSTER by Laurel Blount is the fabulously written and heart tugging story of Patrick Callahan and Torey Bryant as they make peace with the past, work side by side to rebuild the Hope Center and the growing love Patrick has for his foster children.
Neither Patrick or Torey are strangers to the foster care system. They both were in the system themselves. It was the work, dedication and unwavering love of one Ruby Sawyer that allowed them trust others, feel real love, to know their worth and the possibility of a brighter future knowing there was always someone there to support them or to catch them if the fell – something neither of them had ever had. With health issues and the problems with the center, Ruby called in a few favors from two of her “children” to help fix problems in order to reopening the center so they can help even more kids by having a place for them to go to learn, have fun and know that feeling of being loved.
Patrick grew up working side by side with his dad refinishing and fixing old cars and he loved it. That’s why he was blindsided when it came to light that his dad and cousins were working a chop shop and that he had been working with them unaware of what was going on. It was Patrick that turned his dad in leading to his imprisonment. Although he hadn’t knowingly participated, his life has always been painted by the tainted brush of being a Callahan. He's worked hard to prove he’s different. Now as a responsible adult, he wants to give back by helping someone in the foster system. That’s how Josh, 12, and Jill “Jillybean”, 5, came into his life. He’s been working hard to win their trust. In the process, his feelings for them have changed to where he thinks of them as HIS kids. He’s willing to go the distance to help them any way that he can. Jill is young and rapidly accepted “Paddy”. Josh was a harder nut to crack. He’d seen more and trusts less than Jill, but Patrick will not give up on him – regardless of what trouble he gets himself into.
Torey Bryant was crushed when Patrick asked for his ring back all those years ago. She threw herself into getting an education and going into a line of work she loves using her great skills in computers. Just as she’s landed the job of her dreams, Ruby gave her the scare of her life. She immediately took a leave of absence, which her new employer was not happy about, and returned to Cedar Ridge in order the nurse Ruby back to health. Ruby is the most important person in her life. She will be there for her just like she’s always been there for her.
Ruby seems to be improving at a fast pace, but she’s still not able to return to work at the center. Plus, there’s a lot of repairs that need to be done and it needs a good updating. After some discussions, she asked Torey and Patrick to work together to get the center up and running as well as figuring out what updates they need to make to attract the kids back to the center. Both are leery of working together, considering their past, but for Ruby they agree to give it a try. Will compromise and working together have them seeing how the other has matured as well as the things they loved about them all those years ago? Can they work together? Can they find out the answer to the questions from the past? Will the center and Torey’s help be the beginning of making a break through with Josh? Can love show up on four legs instead of just two? Can Patrick forgive past mistakes and believe that people can change? Will events prevent Patrick from making Jill and Josh is always kids instead of just a stopping over place? What will the future bring? Forever family? Second chances?
A FAMILY TO FOSTER is the fabulous story of second chances, love, forgiveness, trust and chances for a forever family all woven with a thread of faith. Laurel Blount most definitely delivers us a can’t put down book. Plan to read this one in one sitting. You’ll fall in love with Ruby and her way of see through folks to see their real thought and feelings, how she extends her love to all those around her and how her wisdom and words help her extended family – even when she’s dabbling in a little matchmaking. The story of Patrick and Torey’s past blends with the present as you begin to hope for a sweet second chance. Your heart will wrap around Josh and Jill as they adjust to living with Patrick and the despair and hope you feel alongside them. A FAMILY TO FOSTER is most definitely a must read FIVE STAR book!
I receive an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
I love going back to Cedar Ridge! Each time I do (this is my 4th time visiting), I fall in love a little more. This time round focuses on Patrick Callahan and his two foster children Jill and Josh. Patrick is trying to do everything in his power to make sure these two siblings aren't separated, but would working with his ex-fiancee Torey Bryant be too far? Torey & Patrick have both been selected as temp directors of a local community center. Of course, these two have such different ideas on how the center should be run. Patrick is more old school and Torey wants a more high tech approach. Can these two actually combine both their ideas to get the local community center up and running and save two kids from being separated? It's going to take a lot of trust and a lot of forgiveness, but with the Lord anything is possible. This was such an adorable and cute story. I loved it. I felt every feel imaginable reading this one. I think I started tearing up about half way through the book and it didn't stop there. I was happy my hubby was asleep when I was reading. It's not a pretty sight to see your wife crying over a book. LOL. It was such a great storyline. I knew with Laurel Blount being the author it would be a great book, but each time I'm just amazed how she can tell a story. I definitely wasn't disappointed with this one either. There was a great epilogue too. And it was so GOOD!!!! I love epilogues. They add so much when you are totally invested in a story and a family like this book. I can't wait until I can once again go back to Cedar Ridge. It's never easy saying good bye, but it's always nice to know that another book is coming. And that makes me very very happy. If you like reading a faith based cute story that centers around family then I hope you take the time to read A Family to Foster. I have a feeling you might just love Cedar Ridge and the people there just as much as I do. I was given a copy of this book, but all opinions are my very own.
A Family to Foster by Laurel Blount Turn into a permanent commitment? Foster dad Patrick Callahan would do anything to prevent the siblings he fosters from being separated. But that means he’ll have to partner with his ex-fiancée, Torey Bryant, to save the local community center. With Patrick’s old-school ideas and Torey’s high-tech upgrades, the pair can’t agree on anything. Could accepting their differences keep the children together—and give them a forever family? This is Torey Bryant and Patrick Callahan and foster children Jill and Josh's story. “Is Joshie in trouble again?” “I don’t know, Jillybean.” As they walked into Cedar Ridge Middle School, Patrick Callahan looked down at his five-year-old foster daughter—and winced. Those ponytails were really lopsided today. Jill and her older brother, Josh, had been with him four months, but he was still flunking little girl hairdos. He’d watch some more YouTube videos and see if he couldn’t up his game. It was the least he could do. These two had already been failed by too many adults. The details their social worker had shared about their past had made Patrick sick to his stomach. the school had called about Josh. Again. Inside the office, Betty Johnson, the school’s gray-haired secretary was typing on her computer. “Joshie! Josh was slumped on a bench against the wall. The twelve-year-old looked up as Patrick approached, then refocused his gaze on his sneakers, his cheeks mottling red. For a few seconds nobody spoke. Then Principal Edwards cleared her throat. “Josh has been suspended.” I recommend this book. A Family to Foster by Laurel Blount is a wonderful well written 5 star book. I am looking forward to reading more books by Laurel Blount . I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Firstly I should like to thank Laurel for writing such amazing books and providing me with a copy to read and review giving my very own opinions. What is there not to love about this as with all of Laurel's books? This is the fourth book of the series taking us back to Cedar Ridge, Georgia and to Ruby and her six children that are all hers via the fostering system. Each of these books highlights different issues that are current and folks are facing. Weaving a narrative of fiction that is so beautiful to read, Laurel pulls us in so not only are we thinking about the story but the everyday issues affecting several people. Ruby is definitely a masterminded matriarch and the love she shows the children and now the grandchildren is a wonderful example to us all. I loved the characters that this was based upon and I truly loved the children featured in this story, Jill and Josh, an adorable brother and sister who found themselves in the foster system. I love the interractions between the adults, the children and the adults and children. So many little laugh out loud moments and very many grab the Kleenex box for tissues moments. I would like to thank you Laurel for allowing me to be part of your team and for gifting me this ARC. I am sure that your fans are excited and chomping at the bit for release day of this amazing little book. If you have never read a Laurel Blount book, I encourage you to do so. You can even start with this one, a standalone as are all the others in this series. I am going to bet that you will want to go back and read the other three books. I am going to be waiting patiently for the next installment of this Cedar Ridge series and visiting my friends old and new in Georgia via the beautiful mind and craft of Laurel Blount.
A Family to Foster by Laurie Blount takes us back to Cedar Ridge where we get to spend time with one of Ruby Sawyer’s former foster kids, Torey Bryant. I love Ruby and I am glad we get to visit her again. I enjoyed getting to know Patrick Callahan (Torey’s ex-fiancé who left her with a broken heart) and Torey Bryant. The two need to work together to fix and reopen Hope Center. Patrick will do whatever it takes to keep Josh and Jill, the two children he is fostering and would like to adopt. Torey, who is taking a leave of absence from her recently acquired dream job, will do what is needed because she loves Ruby. I laughed often while reading A Family to Foster. I like Laurel Blount’s writing style. She creates realistic characters that you want to get to know (you want them to be your neighbors and friends). The story is easy to read and has a good flow. It was nice how the romance progressed. I like how Patrick’s foster kids were included. Ruby is a delightful character. She knows her former foster kids well and knows the right buttons to push. Ruby is working to get each one matched up. I like the “Rubisms” as I call them. Ruby doles out good, practical advice (and it is remembered and followed years later). I enjoyed catching up with Ruby’s other foster children. While this is the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I do, though, recommend reading each charming story. A Family to Foster has love, forgiveness, heartache, loyalty, hurt feelings, distrust, and romance. This is the type of book you want to read while sitting in a comfy chair with hot tea and cookies warm from the oven. I am looking forward to my next visit to Cedar Ridge. A Family to Foster is a heartwarming tale with a loyal family, a timid dog, technology troubles, an irascible Ruby, a cantankerous social worker, and a second chance romance.
It is a balm to the soul to be back in Cedar Ridge in this 4th entry to author Laurel Blount’s series. A Family to Foster will bring tears to your eyes in the best way possible! Patrick Callahan is the unblemished fruit in a family of bad apples. He has worked hard to overcome side-eyes of judgement, and make his auto repair garage a success. He’s also a fairly new foster dad to Josh and his young sister Jill. Patrick - aka Paddy - and Jill seem to have a natural connection, but it’s harder to connect with Josh. Torey Bryant, another of Miss Ruby’s foster children, is temporarily back in town to help save the local community center, a place that Patrick needs use of desperately for his kids. (Side note: I could write SCADS on the pure joy that is Miss Ruby. We all need someone like her in our lives!) Torey and Patrick reluctantly agree to be interim co-directors until someone permanent can be found. Why reluctantly? Because they were engaged once upon a time, and the emotional scars of their breakup are still there…for both of them. As they work together, old feelings begin to surface, but there is wariness. The Lord has His work cut out for Him in this book, but it’s oh, so worth it! I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
Patrick Callahan, mechanic and foster dad, finds himself butting heads with his ex-fiancé Torey Bryant when they’re pushed together by Torey’s foster mom to revive the town’s community center. Soon, though, as their hearts begin to heal, they realize that more than just the Hope Center can be brought back to life.
Torey Bryant, on leave from her new city job to help her ailing foster mom Ruby, carries the hurt of a broken engagement by Patrick Callahan. The secret he carries is the “why” of the breakup. Will Patrick realize that the life he tried to save her from was all she ever wanted?
A Family to Foster is Laurel Blount’s fourth story in the small town of Cedar Ridge, Georgia. As I always say about Laurel’s books, she really knows how to build characters. It’s sometimes nearly impossible to believe they are imaginary! Also, Laurel tells us that we will have another visit to Cedar Ridge soon. And, as always, I look forward to going back and seeing what Ruby will have up her sleeve next!
I have read several books by Laurel Blount and really enjoyed all of them. This novel is no exception. The book is a really good second chance romance. The main characters are Patrick Callahan and Torey Bryant. They dated in high school but then went their separate ways for years until Torey comes back to town to help her mom. Not only are the main characters really interesting to read about in this book, the secondary characters are just as well written. Patrick is fostering two kids with the intention of adopting them but his past as well as his family is not helping make that happen. Torey has to decide whether she is really happy at her current job or if she wants something different. This novel was really well written and I definitely recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.
4.5 stars. A Family to Foster is another special book by Laurel Blount. It's a great single dad and second chance story. It starts off from the hero's perspective and I felt like a lot of the story was told from his perspective and it really worked. I loved how two foster children, Josh and Jill, were prominently featured in the story and how we saw what a good heart Josh really had. I also loved that a rescue dog was featured in the book. The story took a turn or two that I wasn't expecting and I really liked that. There were also heartwarming moments of reconciliation. Of course it was great to see Ruby up to her old matchmaking ways! Even though this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. If you like inspirational contemporary romance, I highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This sweet book brought back so many of long forgotten memories! I finished this book in one afternoon. I really admired Patrick for stepping up and trying to do the right thing for these kids. I think my favorite person was Ruth. I loved her immediately. Her words of wisdom sometimes comforted me especially when things got tough for her daughter Torey. I really appreciated how she looked out for her and wanted what was best. I truly think that's what most parents want for their kids. I said most parents not all. I just enjoyed this story so much! Josh and Jillybean will steal your hearts like they did mine! 5 stars for a sweet story about love, 2nd chances and learning to be a family. My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is another amazing book by Laurel Blount. Patrick was a foster dad trying to raise two children one Jill sweet as she came be then Josh the computer kid and he was full of adventures. The story goes on to tell the past of Patrick that could cost him the child he’s fostering. How can Rudy help him out because she’s been a foster mom for a very long time. This book has so much more and it’s one of theses books that’s it’s real hard to put down because another crises hits then another . So will Patrice be able to adopt these children? I also loved how the author would through In scripture to fit into the story.
I received a copy from the author and yes I would highly recommend it because it’s a great book.
Author Laurel Blount has become a favorite of mine. And A Family to Foster didn’t let me down.
I love that Blount brings out the importance of fostering. It’s not just about giving the children a roof over their heads. It’s about giving them a family, no matter how long they may be in the home. Children need love.
It’s not often we hear about a single dad fostering, but Patrick was well written, with a wonderful caring heart. I liked him from the beginning as he fumbled his way through the good and bad. He understood the system as did Torey, who had been a foster child as well, and was still working through some things. Ruby made another appearance, of course, and I laughed at some of the stunts she pulled while she loved unconditionally.
A story of second chances, unconditional love, and emotional healing, I definitely recommend A Family to Foster.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
This was a moving story that shows some of the trials and faults of the foster system. Great characters and an easy to read story. I was glad to read more of the stories about Ruby and the kids she fostered. This story is one that people who like Christian romance that is not strong on the romance, but it’s more about the characters and their struggles will enjoy. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are mine.