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Almost A Family
A second chance at love?
Ten years ago Virgina Catron and Bailey Callihan had to get married, but they loved each other fiercely and adored their son when he came into their lives. Then fate dealt them a cruel blow when their infant son was snatched in a grocery store. Their new marriage couldn’t withstand the strain and when it became clear their baby would not be found, they divorced, brokenhearted and griefstricken. Virginia went back to college and embarked on a successful corporate career; Bailey worked just enough to get by and still parties too much. They haven’t seen each other since their divorce was finalized. They’re both still single, but they’re very different people than when they were young, and still bear deep emotional scars. The story opens when word comes that their son has been found…alive. Can these three virtual strangers come together to make a family?
Ten years ago Virgina Catron and Bailey Callihan had to get married, but they loved each other fiercely and adored their son when he came into their lives. Then fate dealt them a cruel blow when their infant son was snatched in a grocery store. Their new marriage couldn’t withstand the strain and when it became clear their baby would not be found, they divorced, brokenhearted and griefstricken. Virginia went back to college and embarked on a successful corporate career; Bailey worked just enough to get by and still parties too much. They haven’t seen each other since their divorce was finalized. They’re both still single, but they’re very different people than when they were young, and still bear deep emotional scars. The story opens when word comes that their son has been found…alive. Can these three virtual strangers come together to make a family?
199 pages, Nook
First published February 3, 1997
159 people are currently reading
492 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Bancroft
5 books4 followersStephanie Bond grew up in the small town of Olive Hill, eastern Kentucky, on a tobacco farm with one brother and one sister. She attended Morehead State University on an academic scholarship and studied computer programming. During these years, she bought a shoe store, and she ran the business with the help of her mother. She graduated MSU in 1987, she sold her retail business and started to work in a Fortune 100 petroleum company. She was seven years deep into a computer career and pursuing a master’s degree at night when an instructor remarked she had a flair for writing and encouraged her to submit to academic journals.
Once the seed was planted, however, she immediately turned to creating romance fiction in her spare time. "I never saw myself as a comedy writer, until a Harlequin editor asked if I could write comedy. I lied and said not only did I write comedy, but I had a great idea for a book she might be interested in, and shot her an idea from the top of my head. When she said she liked it, I told her I had three chapters finished to send her right away. Then I went home and wrote like a madwoman. That book was my first Harlequin comedy, Irresistible." Harlequin purchased Irresistible from Stephanie in the fall of 1995 for their Love and Laughter line. In another two years, she left her computer career to write full-time. As Stephanie Bond and Stephanie Bancroft, she has written over 60 novels for different publishers. She is best known for writing steamy books that make readers laugh out loud.
Stephanie lives with her husband, Christopher Hauck, in Atlanta, Georgia, her laptop permanently attached to her body. Readers can write her at P.O. Box 54266, Atlanta, GA 30308, or through her web site: www.stephaniebond.com
Once the seed was planted, however, she immediately turned to creating romance fiction in her spare time. "I never saw myself as a comedy writer, until a Harlequin editor asked if I could write comedy. I lied and said not only did I write comedy, but I had a great idea for a book she might be interested in, and shot her an idea from the top of my head. When she said she liked it, I told her I had three chapters finished to send her right away. Then I went home and wrote like a madwoman. That book was my first Harlequin comedy, Irresistible." Harlequin purchased Irresistible from Stephanie in the fall of 1995 for their Love and Laughter line. In another two years, she left her computer career to write full-time. As Stephanie Bond and Stephanie Bancroft, she has written over 60 novels for different publishers. She is best known for writing steamy books that make readers laugh out loud.
Stephanie lives with her husband, Christopher Hauck, in Atlanta, Georgia, her laptop permanently attached to her body. Readers can write her at P.O. Box 54266, Atlanta, GA 30308, or through her web site: www.stephaniebond.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 9, 2013
The plot for this novel - a child, kidnapped as a two-month old baby, turns up after eight years and in the meantime the parents have divorced - is different and refreshing. At the beginning, I was highly intrigued and ready for a good, trauma-filled read with a little romance on the side.
Unfortunately, what I got was the other way around.
I have always enjoyed Ms Bond's books, but this time I do not believe the humour and "light romance" worked. It appeared as though the author couldn't decide whether the plot would be serious or romantic and because she is normally a romance writer, she couldn't leave that behind to concentrate on a deeper plot. The story fell between the two - three-quarters romance and a quarter serious business - and a terrific opportunity was lost to write a humdinger of a story.
The characters start by being interesting, but all too soon fall into the traditional romantic genre. Characterisation was sacrificed - more depth would have been good - and romance over powered the storyline. Unfortunately, the kidnapping and its aftermath are side-tracked by the parents lusting after each other at every opportunity, to the point where the child's story gets swamped.
The child, Chad, acted and spoke like a teenager rather than the little kid he is supposed to be - the mother makes a nonsensical decision - any adult surely would have had more common sense.
The ending was rushed and entirely predictable - suddenly it all fell into place and bingo, no more angst!
It's not that the book was bad - a Stephanie Bond novel couldn't be bad - rather that the author didn't take her excellent plot seriously, which was very disappointing.
Unfortunately, what I got was the other way around.
I have always enjoyed Ms Bond's books, but this time I do not believe the humour and "light romance" worked. It appeared as though the author couldn't decide whether the plot would be serious or romantic and because she is normally a romance writer, she couldn't leave that behind to concentrate on a deeper plot. The story fell between the two - three-quarters romance and a quarter serious business - and a terrific opportunity was lost to write a humdinger of a story.
The characters start by being interesting, but all too soon fall into the traditional romantic genre. Characterisation was sacrificed - more depth would have been good - and romance over powered the storyline. Unfortunately, the kidnapping and its aftermath are side-tracked by the parents lusting after each other at every opportunity, to the point where the child's story gets swamped.
The child, Chad, acted and spoke like a teenager rather than the little kid he is supposed to be - the mother makes a nonsensical decision - any adult surely would have had more common sense.
The ending was rushed and entirely predictable - suddenly it all fell into place and bingo, no more angst!
It's not that the book was bad - a Stephanie Bond novel couldn't be bad - rather that the author didn't take her excellent plot seriously, which was very disappointing.
September 9, 2012
Almost a Family is not a typical Bond book. Don’t get me wrong, it has great characters and the story is well-written. However, it is not the sexy humorous read you tend to expect from Bond. The storyline itself is far more serious. The infant son of a young couple is tragically kidnapped from the local grocery store. Despite endless searching he is never found. The story begins ten years later. The baby, a defiant ten year-old, has been found. His “mother” just died of cancer and he is sent back to his birth parents, Virginia and Bailey. The birth parents, now divorced, are forced to reconnect with each other and build a relationship with the little boy they’ve never known.
Right off the bat this is not easy subject matter. It takes a deft hand to weave humor and healing throughout a serious story. Bond does it well. You root for this couple to get back together now that they are older and more mature. You hope that the son is able to let go the only mother he’s ever known and move forward with this new family. As in real life, none of this is easy. There are considerable growing pains for everyone involved.
Bailey is the perpetual kid. He had to grow up quickly when his high-school girlfriend became pregnant. That growing process became seriously stalled when his infant son is taken. In the hubris of youth, he takes the kidnapping out on his young wife. When we meet him he is stuck in a pattern of immaturity and lack of responsibility. Virginia, on the other hand, is the quintessential grown up. She’s created a successful, if lonely, life for herself. Neither are willing to let the other one in, but both realize they’ve never fallen out of love. Their journey isn’t easy, but they do eventually find their way back to each other.
I enjoyed the journey that Bailey and Virginia took to find their way back to each other. There is a delicate balance between the focus of them coming together and the backstory of their son. I think Bond weaves in enough detail to make sure you understand what is going on, but never goes overboard into the minutia. By the end of the book you want the almost family to become one.
If you are looking for a typical Bond book this is probably not your best bet. If you are willing to take on a more serious subject matter, but still a feel good read, with good characters, and a happily ever after this book is worth your time and energy. If you’ve never read Stephanie Bond this is a good start. If you have, give this one a chance.
Right off the bat this is not easy subject matter. It takes a deft hand to weave humor and healing throughout a serious story. Bond does it well. You root for this couple to get back together now that they are older and more mature. You hope that the son is able to let go the only mother he’s ever known and move forward with this new family. As in real life, none of this is easy. There are considerable growing pains for everyone involved.
Bailey is the perpetual kid. He had to grow up quickly when his high-school girlfriend became pregnant. That growing process became seriously stalled when his infant son is taken. In the hubris of youth, he takes the kidnapping out on his young wife. When we meet him he is stuck in a pattern of immaturity and lack of responsibility. Virginia, on the other hand, is the quintessential grown up. She’s created a successful, if lonely, life for herself. Neither are willing to let the other one in, but both realize they’ve never fallen out of love. Their journey isn’t easy, but they do eventually find their way back to each other.
I enjoyed the journey that Bailey and Virginia took to find their way back to each other. There is a delicate balance between the focus of them coming together and the backstory of their son. I think Bond weaves in enough detail to make sure you understand what is going on, but never goes overboard into the minutia. By the end of the book you want the almost family to become one.
If you are looking for a typical Bond book this is probably not your best bet. If you are willing to take on a more serious subject matter, but still a feel good read, with good characters, and a happily ever after this book is worth your time and energy. If you’ve never read Stephanie Bond this is a good start. If you have, give this one a chance.
July 25, 2017
Yet another super book by this author and one I read she'd originally written decades ago and just re-jigged a little to make it current. I thought it was great. Her books are very rarely indeed bad stories....this is my 11th by her and only one have I given 3 stars, the remainder easily 4 and 5* reads. Licence To Thrill wasn't a favourite of mine is all.
This one was just a nice story (most of the time) and definitely a more warm and cozy tale by her. However, there's nothing wrong with "nice" every once in a while. I loved the 2 main characters, Bailey and Ginny, though you wanted to shake them up at times. It was amazing to find their son after all those years but of course, so totally unexpected that they'd both moved on, never dreaming he'd ever be returned to them. Can you imagine ??
A really odd thing in this e-book was the font kept changing and it was the same on each device I tried it on. Palladian was spelt wrong as palladium, that was used in place of them and crepe myrtles spelled as crape. At one point Bailey was holding a radio but it had been a handheld game till then but that was the lot for errors. No misplaced apostrophes, no missing words, no dropped speechmarks, which we usually have to put up with reading an e-version of a book these days.
I'll be sticking with Ms Bond's books for sure.
This one was just a nice story (most of the time) and definitely a more warm and cozy tale by her. However, there's nothing wrong with "nice" every once in a while. I loved the 2 main characters, Bailey and Ginny, though you wanted to shake them up at times. It was amazing to find their son after all those years but of course, so totally unexpected that they'd both moved on, never dreaming he'd ever be returned to them. Can you imagine ??
A really odd thing in this e-book was the font kept changing and it was the same on each device I tried it on. Palladian was spelt wrong as palladium, that was used in place of them and crepe myrtles spelled as crape. At one point Bailey was holding a radio but it had been a handheld game till then but that was the lot for errors. No misplaced apostrophes, no missing words, no dropped speechmarks, which we usually have to put up with reading an e-version of a book these days.
I'll be sticking with Ms Bond's books for sure.
November 9, 2022
This was a pleasant surprise. Pretty formulaic, I suppose, but still a good read. We begin when Bailey and Ginny's son is found after having been kidnapped 8 long years ago. In the meantime, they've divorced but never really moved on. Bringing an 8-year-old boy into a family can only be difficult, of course, and it's clear that he resents Ginny for taking the place of "his mother." I found Ginny to be a bit overreactive, although I suppose that's understandable because of the extremely emotional situation. Bailey, who was undependable previously, has grown into a reliable and mature man, but it takes Ginny a while to recognize that. The three of them make a lovely family, and I was rooting for their success. But I enjoyed watching their struggles to find each other and relate to each other in new ways.
May 23, 2019
Predictable
Love this author this one is a little different than her others but still good. Ten years ago Ginny and Bailey had to get married when their infant son was a few months old he was taken by a stranger in a grocery store. Now they are divorced and they get word the son has been found. Will this family be able to put themselves back together as a happy. Really enjoyed.
Love this author this one is a little different than her others but still good. Ten years ago Ginny and Bailey had to get married when their infant son was a few months old he was taken by a stranger in a grocery store. Now they are divorced and they get word the son has been found. Will this family be able to put themselves back together as a happy. Really enjoyed.
August 10, 2021
The premise of the book is that it asks a question how does a family torn apart by a kidnapping deal with reunification? Chad, the kidnapped child, was portrayed as a street smart kid. One complaint-at 8, he wouldn’t be in 4th grade. I also think it was at stretch to say that he was so well-adjusted that he wouldn’t need therapy to adapt to his new family situation.
March 22, 2018
Least favorite of all her books
This was a disappointment. I love all her other novels, but this one was not the quality I’m used to from her. I didn’t anticipate reading the next chapter, but ratherhurried to finish it.
This was a disappointment. I love all her other novels, but this one was not the quality I’m used to from her. I didn’t anticipate reading the next chapter, but ratherhurried to finish it.
November 29, 2020
Beautiful story of family
This book starts with a tragedy, every parents nightmare. I enjoyed the way the story Player of and went from tragedy to happiness with a lot of interesting plots along the way. Just a nice read!
This book starts with a tragedy, every parents nightmare. I enjoyed the way the story Player of and went from tragedy to happiness with a lot of interesting plots along the way. Just a nice read!
July 24, 2017
Very good romance
Loved the book. Was a very good romance and family story. Liked the story and how they found their child after eight years.
Loved the book. Was a very good romance and family story. Liked the story and how they found their child after eight years.
October 28, 2018
A different kind of story from Stephanie,
But still reflecting her unique and entertaining voice, and appealing characters.
I wish men could grow up as quickly as Bailey.
But still reflecting her unique and entertaining voice, and appealing characters.
I wish men could grow up as quickly as Bailey.
March 15, 2019
Love this story
This was such a realistic story with a happily ever after ending. I really enjoy reading so if Ms. Bond's novels.
This was such a realistic story with a happily ever after ending. I really enjoy reading so if Ms. Bond's novels.
May 21, 2019
A very good read
It is one of those books I felt I couldn't put down. Enjoyed it from start to finish. The story held together very well.
It is one of those books I felt I couldn't put down. Enjoyed it from start to finish. The story held together very well.
June 17, 2022
Another entertaining and fun story from this author.
May 26, 2025
Not my favorite from this author. My biggest gripe was the 8 year old who was more like a 14 year old. I couldn't get past that.
October 31, 2013
This book was totally different from any other of the Stephanie Bond books that I have read... it was very heartbreaking to read, but it was an amazing book. it actually had a lot of truth in it which made me love the book even more.
This book is about Virginia and Bailey. They were a great couple. They got married when they were very young. They had a child that wasn't planned. Just after two month of giving birth, Virginia was a the grocery store, and their baby was kidnapped. This destroyed their family. Bailey called Virginia a bunch of hateful names, and that was the end of their marriage.
They both moved on to bigger and better things. Virginia went to college and got herself a degree in computers, and a great job. She had a lot of money and a big house. Still till this day she thinks about Bailey, and all the hurtful words he called her. She blames herself everyday when her son was taken. There was never a phone call or ransom or anything. She was starting to loose hope. Bailey on the other hand still worked in landscaping. He was in charge of a bunch of crews, and at night would go the bar under his apartment and look for a girl. He was very easy on the eyes and didn't have a problem finding women. Until one night it was Virginia that found him.
Virginia told Bailey that the police in Florida found their son. Bailey was waiting to hold Virginia thinking that their son was found, and dead. He was shocked when she told him that he was alive and that they needed to get on a airplane and pick him up. Their son was now 8 years old, so jumping right into parenthood was going to be tough.
now the rest of the story is "chad" their now 8 year old son adjusting to his new life. he still is confused about what happened, and still loves the lady who he called "mom" He easily opened up to Bailey and was in need of his approval and time. Where as Virginia he didn't like. He would say hurtful words to her, and do almost everything possible not to like her. He said he already had a mom, and didn't need a new one. Chad also said he never had a dad or grandparents, so that is why he got along with them so well. So, you will see the up's and downs that Virginia and chad will have to go thru to build their relationship.
On top of everything else Bailey still loves Virginia. He is going to do everything possible to show her that he grew up and can be part of the family again. Even thought Virginia still loves Bailey she is playing hard to get, and the cat and mouse game is very funny to watch.
This book is about Virginia and Bailey. They were a great couple. They got married when they were very young. They had a child that wasn't planned. Just after two month of giving birth, Virginia was a the grocery store, and their baby was kidnapped. This destroyed their family. Bailey called Virginia a bunch of hateful names, and that was the end of their marriage.
They both moved on to bigger and better things. Virginia went to college and got herself a degree in computers, and a great job. She had a lot of money and a big house. Still till this day she thinks about Bailey, and all the hurtful words he called her. She blames herself everyday when her son was taken. There was never a phone call or ransom or anything. She was starting to loose hope. Bailey on the other hand still worked in landscaping. He was in charge of a bunch of crews, and at night would go the bar under his apartment and look for a girl. He was very easy on the eyes and didn't have a problem finding women. Until one night it was Virginia that found him.
Virginia told Bailey that the police in Florida found their son. Bailey was waiting to hold Virginia thinking that their son was found, and dead. He was shocked when she told him that he was alive and that they needed to get on a airplane and pick him up. Their son was now 8 years old, so jumping right into parenthood was going to be tough.
now the rest of the story is "chad" their now 8 year old son adjusting to his new life. he still is confused about what happened, and still loves the lady who he called "mom" He easily opened up to Bailey and was in need of his approval and time. Where as Virginia he didn't like. He would say hurtful words to her, and do almost everything possible not to like her. He said he already had a mom, and didn't need a new one. Chad also said he never had a dad or grandparents, so that is why he got along with them so well. So, you will see the up's and downs that Virginia and chad will have to go thru to build their relationship.
On top of everything else Bailey still loves Virginia. He is going to do everything possible to show her that he grew up and can be part of the family again. Even thought Virginia still loves Bailey she is playing hard to get, and the cat and mouse game is very funny to watch.
October 1, 2012
Also on http://sillymelody.blogspot.com
Yesterday I started Almost a Family by Stephanie Bond. I really to do like this author, so I was lucky to get a chance to read another of her work. So, here is a quick sum up of the story:
About eight years ago, Virginia Carton and Bailey Kallihan had there family torn apart by a tragedy. Their son was stole from them, which tore their family apart.
Eight years later, the news came their son was alive and living in Florida. So, fate has thrust them back together. However, both of them have change. Will there family be able to get back together and fix what they have lost? Or will they be like most families and have two separate families?
My thoughts: Oh my gosh ripped my heart out reading this story. Don't get me wrong it was amazing. I laughed and cried. I felt so bad for Bailey and Virginia, because they were thrust into this situation. They had had to cope with the lost of their child and find a way to fuse a broken family together. Definitely character building. I truly did like this book. So, I hope you might check this title out, but be prepare for gut wrenching read.
It truly made me think on, how would I handle something like that? I think I might not have been as strong as Virginia to pick up the pieces of my life. I mean it really takes a strong person to pickup the pieces after something like that. Would you be able to pickup the pieces if your child was stolen from you when they were a baby?
Yesterday I started Almost a Family by Stephanie Bond. I really to do like this author, so I was lucky to get a chance to read another of her work. So, here is a quick sum up of the story:
About eight years ago, Virginia Carton and Bailey Kallihan had there family torn apart by a tragedy. Their son was stole from them, which tore their family apart.
Eight years later, the news came their son was alive and living in Florida. So, fate has thrust them back together. However, both of them have change. Will there family be able to get back together and fix what they have lost? Or will they be like most families and have two separate families?
My thoughts: Oh my gosh ripped my heart out reading this story. Don't get me wrong it was amazing. I laughed and cried. I felt so bad for Bailey and Virginia, because they were thrust into this situation. They had had to cope with the lost of their child and find a way to fuse a broken family together. Definitely character building. I truly did like this book. So, I hope you might check this title out, but be prepare for gut wrenching read.
It truly made me think on, how would I handle something like that? I think I might not have been as strong as Virginia to pick up the pieces of my life. I mean it really takes a strong person to pickup the pieces after something like that. Would you be able to pickup the pieces if your child was stolen from you when they were a baby?
October 20, 2014
As a whole, the book, the writing and the characters were perfect.
The heroine is a very strong and relate-able character. I understand her actions and they are never overboard and or insincere towards her character. She really is a very flesh out character that I couldn't help but feel for her even though half the time I don't agree with her.
The hero himself is just as great. I think I feel more for him because he was the one who has a lot of growing up. His character truly is the one that needed the big turn around and in this book, he did it in a believable sequence. It was not forced nor was it obviously contrived for the book. I understand his fear, his hesitation, and even his doubt. They are feelings that a mature person should see and address. In this alone, I can understand/believe his sudden change of heart.
Unfortunately, there are some issues in the story that I thought was swipe under the rag. These issues should have been addressed to make the family's HEA believable.
One, the boy did not understand (or was not explained to him) why his former mom's action was not acceptable. Instead, the real mother ended up the bad guy in his eyes. That's just wrong. Even if it's hinted at least that the boy sees the action as it was - kidnapping - and it's illegal - and morally wrong.
I did enjoy this book but with the above issue unresolved, it made the whole experienced less satisfying for a great read.
The heroine is a very strong and relate-able character. I understand her actions and they are never overboard and or insincere towards her character. She really is a very flesh out character that I couldn't help but feel for her even though half the time I don't agree with her.
The hero himself is just as great. I think I feel more for him because he was the one who has a lot of growing up. His character truly is the one that needed the big turn around and in this book, he did it in a believable sequence. It was not forced nor was it obviously contrived for the book. I understand his fear, his hesitation, and even his doubt. They are feelings that a mature person should see and address. In this alone, I can understand/believe his sudden change of heart.
Unfortunately, there are some issues in the story that I thought was swipe under the rag. These issues should have been addressed to make the family's HEA believable.
One, the boy did not understand (or was not explained to him) why his former mom's action was not acceptable. Instead, the real mother ended up the bad guy in his eyes. That's just wrong. Even if it's hinted at least that the boy sees the action as it was - kidnapping - and it's illegal - and morally wrong.
I did enjoy this book but with the above issue unresolved, it made the whole experienced less satisfying for a great read.
October 23, 2012
A young husband & wife have their child kidnapped when he's only a few months... so what happens when years pass & they have since divorced, but the son is found alive & healthy & is now 8 years old.
Bailey & Ginny have gone seperate ways & now that their son is back in the picture, they have to deal with each other again.
From learning where Bailey was all this time & who kidnapped him - From going to pick up Baily Jr, who is now Chad, to bringing him home & the relationships he has to form with his new parents - its a rough road.
Time has made Bailey more mature, ready to settle down, but how can he convince Ginny that its because he loves her & not only because he wants his family together.
I enjoyed the story... thought it made sense in telling of the child's struggles in adapting & loving the person who he always considered his mom. It was a little TOo risque for me on Ginny & Bailey's relationship coming back to life... but that's because I'm used to a lot of Christian novels - so when I read things like that, it sort of shocks me a bit.
You have to know how the story ends... but its sweet how it all comes together.
Definitely not a waste of time reading this...
Bailey & Ginny have gone seperate ways & now that their son is back in the picture, they have to deal with each other again.
From learning where Bailey was all this time & who kidnapped him - From going to pick up Baily Jr, who is now Chad, to bringing him home & the relationships he has to form with his new parents - its a rough road.
Time has made Bailey more mature, ready to settle down, but how can he convince Ginny that its because he loves her & not only because he wants his family together.
I enjoyed the story... thought it made sense in telling of the child's struggles in adapting & loving the person who he always considered his mom. It was a little TOo risque for me on Ginny & Bailey's relationship coming back to life... but that's because I'm used to a lot of Christian novels - so when I read things like that, it sort of shocks me a bit.
You have to know how the story ends... but its sweet how it all comes together.
Definitely not a waste of time reading this...
May 25, 2013
This book did not disappoint. Virginia and Bailey obviously struggle to reconnect with their son when he's located years after having been kidnapped as an infant. Bailey Jr., now known as Chad, was sad because the woman he knew as his mother had died. He didn't want another mother and that was very upsetting to Virginia because she had birthed him and his childhood had been taken from her. She felt robbed and rightly so. Bailey Jr./Chad never had a father so getting to know Bailey was all that seemed to interest him. He also expressed strongly that he preferred living with Bailey over Virginia.
If you're a parent, you'll feel their apprehension as Virginia and Bailey try to get reacquainted with Chad. You'll also want to string Chad up by his ankles when he's mouthy and disrespectful with Virginia and it's obvious he's trying to play Virginia and Bailey against one another so that eventually he can live with his father. Things begin to turn in a positive direction until Virginia experiences deja vu when Chad disappears from the skateboard park.
It's a quick read but definitely worth your time.
If you're a parent, you'll feel their apprehension as Virginia and Bailey try to get reacquainted with Chad. You'll also want to string Chad up by his ankles when he's mouthy and disrespectful with Virginia and it's obvious he's trying to play Virginia and Bailey against one another so that eventually he can live with his father. Things begin to turn in a positive direction until Virginia experiences deja vu when Chad disappears from the skateboard park.
It's a quick read but definitely worth your time.
September 2, 2013
The Fourth of Stephanie Bonds books that I read. I think it is alao written by Stephanie Bancroft? Anyway not humerous like the other books I have read by her. This one was more serious and was very engrossing I had to finish the book couldn't put it down. There is a description here on Good Reads: A second chance at love?
Ten years ago Virgina Catron and Bailey Callihan had to get married, but they loved each other fiercely and adored their son when he came into their lives. Then fate dealt them a cruel blow when their infant son was snatched in a grocery store. Their new marriage couldn’t withstand the strain and when it became clear their baby would not be found, they divorced, brokenhearted and griefstricken. Virginia went back to college and embarked on a successful corporate career; Bailey worked just enough to get by and still parties too much. They haven’t seen each other since their divorce was finalized. They’re both still single, but they’re very different people than when they were young, and still bear deep emotional scars. The story opens when word comes that their son has been found…alive. Can these three virtual strangers come together to make a family?
Ten years ago Virgina Catron and Bailey Callihan had to get married, but they loved each other fiercely and adored their son when he came into their lives. Then fate dealt them a cruel blow when their infant son was snatched in a grocery store. Their new marriage couldn’t withstand the strain and when it became clear their baby would not be found, they divorced, brokenhearted and griefstricken. Virginia went back to college and embarked on a successful corporate career; Bailey worked just enough to get by and still parties too much. They haven’t seen each other since their divorce was finalized. They’re both still single, but they’re very different people than when they were young, and still bear deep emotional scars. The story opens when word comes that their son has been found…alive. Can these three virtual strangers come together to make a family?
May 19, 2014
The star rating given reflects my opinion within ‘the official goodreads rating system’.
1 star: Didn’t Like it
2 stars: It’s Okay
3 stars: Liked it
4 stars: Really Liked it
5 stars: It Was Amazing
I don’t really give a rat-fuck that there are some who think I ‘owe’ an explanation for my opinion. Nope, nada, and not sorry about it.
Sometimes I may add notes to explain what my opinions are based on, and sometimes I don’t. I do this for me, on my books, in my library and I don’t ‘owe’ any special snowflakes a thing. Fuck off if you don’t like it and stop reading my shit.
Particularly given the ‘modifications’ to reader’s personal content going on (and outright censorship), unless particularly motivated I will not comment in detail.
It would help if GR was forthcoming in the new ‘appropriate’ and would make a site-wide announcement delineating the new focus from a reader-centric site to one that is now for authors and selling.
1 star: Didn’t Like it
2 stars: It’s Okay
3 stars: Liked it
4 stars: Really Liked it
5 stars: It Was Amazing
I don’t really give a rat-fuck that there are some who think I ‘owe’ an explanation for my opinion. Nope, nada, and not sorry about it.
Sometimes I may add notes to explain what my opinions are based on, and sometimes I don’t. I do this for me, on my books, in my library and I don’t ‘owe’ any special snowflakes a thing. Fuck off if you don’t like it and stop reading my shit.
Particularly given the ‘modifications’ to reader’s personal content going on (and outright censorship), unless particularly motivated I will not comment in detail.
It would help if GR was forthcoming in the new ‘appropriate’ and would make a site-wide announcement delineating the new focus from a reader-centric site to one that is now for authors and selling.
October 13, 2012
The concept of the book sounded great to me. Ginny and Bailey married young because she was pregnant. Shortly after their son was born, he was kidnapped. Now, 8 years later, he is found alive. Ginny and Bailey have since divorced and these 3 have to find a way to become a family. My problem with it was I did not like the character of Ginny, she seemed kind of snotty and cold. Chad, their son, was just plain a brat. And Bailey (found it hard to have a grown man called Bailey, my female dog's name) well, he just seemed a weak character. Very disappointed in it, what sounded like a good, fresh plot.
February 9, 2016
The book struck a chord on a personal note, however all in all, it was exactly as described: a "feel good romance."
(As much as it annoys me to take this route, I'd have to say it's more of a 2.5 to 3 than a solid 2 star review. It was an enjoyable but short novel that didn't require a lot of thought process or attention span. I happen to like Stephanie Bond's books, so it doesn't shock me that I enjoyed this one, even if wouldn't necessarily bother to reread it.)
(As much as it annoys me to take this route, I'd have to say it's more of a 2.5 to 3 than a solid 2 star review. It was an enjoyable but short novel that didn't require a lot of thought process or attention span. I happen to like Stephanie Bond's books, so it doesn't shock me that I enjoyed this one, even if wouldn't necessarily bother to reread it.)
September 23, 2013
This was...ok. I agree with some other reviews that Ginny seemed stiff. I understand she had her differences with Bailey but she never gave him a chance throughout the book to prove that he grew up. Then all of sudden after Bailey basically shakes sense into her, she gets it. Ugh. I kept reading this book wondering when it would end (and since it's part of trio on my Kindle, I didn't know how much longer I had). I'm glad it was free!
January 22, 2013
Being in the predicament that these characters were in would be horrific. The way Stephanie put it all together seemed realistic. But then again I've never been in that situation so I can't have an honest opinion on that. However I did like how the story flew and loved the ending. It's an emotional book with a love story behind all the craziness in between :)
April 27, 2015
The author writes well. This book had a delicate subject so I almost didn't read it. The author handled it well. I didn't always like Bailey, at times he was a bit chauvinistic, but I did like how he related with Chad. At times Chads character acted & talked older than an 8 yr old, but it was fiction so I didn't dwell on it. Talented writer, but I'm not one to read sex scenes so I skipped those.
September 23, 2015
Almost a Family-Great story!
The ups and downs of a couple that have lost a child to a kidnapping, was so heartbreaking and what finally brought them all back together again was so sweet. Lot's of ups and downs when the boy was reunited with his real family, but made the story come to life.
The ups and downs of a couple that have lost a child to a kidnapping, was so heartbreaking and what finally brought them all back together again was so sweet. Lot's of ups and downs when the boy was reunited with his real family, but made the story come to life.
tbr-later
November 5, 201516 May 2014: Currently FREE, on Kindle, as part of a bundle: Mad About You
10/3/2012: Free on Kindle
10/3/2012: Free on Kindle
March 1, 2013
It was okay, quick read but predictable. Nothing particularly exciting happened and I found the boy a bit advanced for 8 years old. Would have been more exciting if finding him had been part of the story.
April 15, 2013
I enjoyed this book. I thought it was interesting from beginning to end. I think it's the fastest I've ever read a book. Finished it in about three days. My only complaint is would have liked less sex and more romance.
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