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About the Baby #1
A Time to Give
His only love sprang from his only hate...
Isn't that just like life to mirror something out of Romeo and Juliet? And Benedict Cassidy has good cause to hate Emily Mackenzie's father - the corporate pirate stole his company. So what if Emily's pregnant with Ben's child? Or that he can't help loving her? She's still a traitor and the daughter of a traitor. And forgiveness doesn't come easily to Ben.
If Emily hadn't agreed to marry him, he'd have fought the woman for custody once the baby was born. Instead, he's going to watch his wife like a hawk until he's got his business back and his child safely in his arms.
Isn't that just like life to mirror something out of Romeo and Juliet? And Benedict Cassidy has good cause to hate Emily Mackenzie's father - the corporate pirate stole his company. So what if Emily's pregnant with Ben's child? Or that he can't help loving her? She's still a traitor and the daughter of a traitor. And forgiveness doesn't come easily to Ben.
If Emily hadn't agreed to marry him, he'd have fought the woman for custody once the baby was born. Instead, he's going to watch his wife like a hawk until he's got his business back and his child safely in his arms.
Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2005
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662 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Shay
173 books501 followersKathryn Shay is a lifelong writer. At fifteen, she penned her first 'romance,' a short story about a female newspaper reporter in New York City and her fight to make a name for herself in a world of male journalists - and with one hardheaded editor in particular. Looking back, Kathryn says she should have known then that writing was in her future. But as so often happens, fate sent her detouring down another path.
Fully intending to pursue her dream of big city lights and success in the literary world, Kathryn took every creative writing class available at the small private women's college she attended in upstate New York. Instead, other dreams took precedence. She met and subsequently married a wonderful guy who'd attended a neighboring school, then completed her practice teaching, a requirement for the education degree she never intended to use. But says Kathryn, "I fell in love with teaching the first day I was up in front of a class, and knew I was meant to do that."
Kathryn went on to build a successful career in the New York state school system, thoroughly enjoying her work with adolescents. But by the early 1990s, she'd again made room in her life for writing. It was then that she submitted her first manuscript to publishers and agents. Despite enduring two years of rejections, she persevered. And on a snowy December afternoon in 1994, Kathryn Shay sold her first book to Harlequin Superromance.
Since that first sale, Kathryn has written twenty-one books for Harlequin, nine mainstream contemporary romances for the Berkley Publishing Group, and two online novellas, which Berkley then published in traditional print format.
Kathryn has become known for her powerful characterizations - readers say they feel they know the people in her books - and her heart-wrenching, emotional writing (her favorite comments are that fans cried while reading her books or stayed up late to finish them). In testament to her skill, the author has won five RT BookClub Magazine Reviewers Choice Awards, three Holt Medallions, two Desert Quill Awards, the Golden Leaf Award, and several online accolades.
Even in light of her writing success, that initial love of teaching never wavered for Kathryn. She finished out her teaching career in 2004, retiring from the same school where her career began. These days, she lives in upstate New York with her husband and two children. "My life is very full," she reports, "but very happy. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to pursue and achieve my dreams."
Fully intending to pursue her dream of big city lights and success in the literary world, Kathryn took every creative writing class available at the small private women's college she attended in upstate New York. Instead, other dreams took precedence. She met and subsequently married a wonderful guy who'd attended a neighboring school, then completed her practice teaching, a requirement for the education degree she never intended to use. But says Kathryn, "I fell in love with teaching the first day I was up in front of a class, and knew I was meant to do that."
Kathryn went on to build a successful career in the New York state school system, thoroughly enjoying her work with adolescents. But by the early 1990s, she'd again made room in her life for writing. It was then that she submitted her first manuscript to publishers and agents. Despite enduring two years of rejections, she persevered. And on a snowy December afternoon in 1994, Kathryn Shay sold her first book to Harlequin Superromance.
Since that first sale, Kathryn has written twenty-one books for Harlequin, nine mainstream contemporary romances for the Berkley Publishing Group, and two online novellas, which Berkley then published in traditional print format.
Kathryn has become known for her powerful characterizations - readers say they feel they know the people in her books - and her heart-wrenching, emotional writing (her favorite comments are that fans cried while reading her books or stayed up late to finish them). In testament to her skill, the author has won five RT BookClub Magazine Reviewers Choice Awards, three Holt Medallions, two Desert Quill Awards, the Golden Leaf Award, and several online accolades.
Even in light of her writing success, that initial love of teaching never wavered for Kathryn. She finished out her teaching career in 2004, retiring from the same school where her career began. These days, she lives in upstate New York with her husband and two children. "My life is very full," she reports, "but very happy. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to pursue and achieve my dreams."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
March 15, 2017
You know when you pick up a KS that it is going to be guilt/angstfest galore and nobody is really black and white but a lot of grey in their moral choices. This one is exactly like that.
h volunteers at a soup kitchen and there is the one guy, the H, that rings her bell. She wants to get to know him better and finally succeeds only to find out he hates her guts cause her controlling father stole his company with a lot of illegal business moves.
They split up and then meet up again 6 months later when the H has definitive evidence that the father is a crook. The h is also 6 mo preggers and tried to call him but only got his lawyer. The H insists they either marry or he will fight for custody. (like he would win-- NOT!).
The h is Pollyanna lovey dovey, so she marries him and all of his employees are mean to her cause of dear old criminal dad and the H says he can't trust her either and it is a MINO. That lasts till the H's ex fiancee who dumped him when he lost everything shows up and wants some smexxing.
The h walks in on them and decides to seduce the H later after his date. The H eventually falls in love in spite of himself and the h makes him promise not to prosecute her criminal dad. Which was wrong IMO. Then throw in some seekrit dead mum but still alive and with a seekrit brother drama too.
All in all I like the h and H except for her daddy blind spot. Good story lots of angst and bad behavior on both parts. Him for being an ass and her for being a nitwit about her dad.
h volunteers at a soup kitchen and there is the one guy, the H, that rings her bell. She wants to get to know him better and finally succeeds only to find out he hates her guts cause her controlling father stole his company with a lot of illegal business moves.
They split up and then meet up again 6 months later when the H has definitive evidence that the father is a crook. The h is also 6 mo preggers and tried to call him but only got his lawyer. The H insists they either marry or he will fight for custody. (like he would win-- NOT!).
The h is Pollyanna lovey dovey, so she marries him and all of his employees are mean to her cause of dear old criminal dad and the H says he can't trust her either and it is a MINO. That lasts till the H's ex fiancee who dumped him when he lost everything shows up and wants some smexxing.
The h walks in on them and decides to seduce the H later after his date. The H eventually falls in love in spite of himself and the h makes him promise not to prosecute her criminal dad. Which was wrong IMO. Then throw in some seekrit dead mum but still alive and with a seekrit brother drama too.
All in all I like the h and H except for her daddy blind spot. Good story lots of angst and bad behavior on both parts. Him for being an ass and her for being a nitwit about her dad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2023
A little angsty
I really didn't like the hero. He waz sweet at first but when he realized who the heroine was, he disappointed me. Big time and it was sad. But he ended up doing the right thing and he didn't cheat like most of Kathryn Shay's heroes do. I thought he was going to but he didn't. he was still a jerk though and took the OW to dinner. Just don't really like this authors writing style but lots of people do and that is good.
I really didn't like the hero. He waz sweet at first but when he realized who the heroine was, he disappointed me. Big time and it was sad. But he ended up doing the right thing and he didn't cheat like most of Kathryn Shay's heroes do. I thought he was going to but he didn't. he was still a jerk though and took the OW to dinner. Just don't really like this authors writing style but lots of people do and that is good.
March 11, 2018
***3.5 STARS***
Not too shabby of a story! Exactly my kind of trope. Thank you Debbie for lending me this story!! Much appreciated!
Not too shabby of a story! Exactly my kind of trope. Thank you Debbie for lending me this story!! Much appreciated!
March 26, 2017
A Time to Give: About the Baby Book 1) is by Kathryn Shay. This is a new series for me by Kathryn Shay. I have loved all the other books by her that I have read so decided to give this series a try. I am so glad that I did. It is excellent, although you do need tissues while you read it. I can’t wait to read the other books in this series.
Emily Erickson volunteered at Cassidy Place, a kitchen for the poor. She did a little of everything, except cook. She had volunteered here because she needed to help those who were in need. During the day, she worked for her Father, Lammon McKenzie and tried her best to keep him under control when it came to the people who worked in the businesses he bought and sold. He wasn’t concerned with the little people; but she was and so she worked hard at keeping him in check. She had given up on her dream to have a child and to have a dance studio. Her divorce was a result of the two of them not being able to have a child together and her Father wasn’t behind her dance studio. Her volunteering here was one thing she did for herself. She had her favorites here and heading the list was Ben. She didn’t know his last name or really anything about him. When they did talk, he always turned the conversation away from himself. Emily still persisted.
Ben Cassidy didn’t want anyone to know that Cassidy Place was named after his father nor that he had financed it. Ben had lost his company and his pride to Lammon McKenzie when McKenzie took over his company. Ben had turned to alcohol but luckily stopped drinking before he had gone too far. Now he wants to get his company back and get revenge on McKenzie. He didn’t have time for a romance with Emily although he wanted one.
When Emily and Ben get together, it is spoiled by his discovering the next morning that she is Lammon McKenzie’s daughter. He gets very angry and leaves Emily. Little does he know that he left a little of himself behind. What will happen now?
Emily Erickson volunteered at Cassidy Place, a kitchen for the poor. She did a little of everything, except cook. She had volunteered here because she needed to help those who were in need. During the day, she worked for her Father, Lammon McKenzie and tried her best to keep him under control when it came to the people who worked in the businesses he bought and sold. He wasn’t concerned with the little people; but she was and so she worked hard at keeping him in check. She had given up on her dream to have a child and to have a dance studio. Her divorce was a result of the two of them not being able to have a child together and her Father wasn’t behind her dance studio. Her volunteering here was one thing she did for herself. She had her favorites here and heading the list was Ben. She didn’t know his last name or really anything about him. When they did talk, he always turned the conversation away from himself. Emily still persisted.
Ben Cassidy didn’t want anyone to know that Cassidy Place was named after his father nor that he had financed it. Ben had lost his company and his pride to Lammon McKenzie when McKenzie took over his company. Ben had turned to alcohol but luckily stopped drinking before he had gone too far. Now he wants to get his company back and get revenge on McKenzie. He didn’t have time for a romance with Emily although he wanted one.
When Emily and Ben get together, it is spoiled by his discovering the next morning that she is Lammon McKenzie’s daughter. He gets very angry and leaves Emily. Little does he know that he left a little of himself behind. What will happen now?
April 21, 2017
Finally DNF'ed at 60 %. While it started out pretty good, soon the story sank into... mediocrity, for lack of a better term. Hero is a alphole of the highest order, heroine is a doormat not only for hero, but also for her father. Unlikeable people all around. Every conversation ended either in bla-bla or things left unsaid, the cheapest way to create conflict. I felt like the main characters couldn't carry a meaningful conversation if their life depended on it.
So sorry. Kathryn Shay usually writes better stuff.
So sorry. Kathryn Shay usually writes better stuff.
December 11, 2022
Emily Mackenzie volunteers at a local soup kitchen, Cassidy Place, while working for her father Lammon "Mac" Mackenzie, who makes a living out of buying other people's businesses to turn a profit. During her time volunteering, she has started to become close with a regular patron, Ben. She doesn't know anything about Ben, other than he fell on hard times. Ben harbours feelings for Emily as well but makes it his mission to keep his distance from her to protect her from his sorry self. Eventually she breaks down his resolve and they end up having a one-night-stand. The morning after, Ben realizes who Emily is, more importantly who her father is. Mac had bought Benedict Cassidy's company and took everything from him. Everything except the soup kitchen he opened years ago. Ben thinks that Emily was hiding who her father was and walks out on her and her life. By the time Ben sees Emily again, she is heavily pregnant with his child. Will they be able to let go of the rivalry that Ben and Mac have to raise their child together? After all, Christmas is a time to forgive.
Well, this book was cute, predictable, and really just "okay", but I wanted to read something cheesy that takes place at Christmas, which this book does end up ending right at Christmas, so it checked the boxes I was looking for. Because of it's predictable nature, I won't really say much about Ben and Emily's relationship because I'm sure you can guess how it ends, but let's just say that the added information about Emily's mother was a nice surprise that I didn't fully expect. I liked Emily and Ben, though I liked Ben more when he was going through hard times. Having money just kind of made him a tad more arrogant than I'd like, until his son was born and seemed to soften him. Emily's best friend Jordan was a nice side character, and Mac was a certifiable asshole who is damn lucky his daughter has just the biggest heart the world to ever forgive him for everything he's done.
Will I read the second book in this series? Maybe but it's not zooming to the top of my list anytime soon.
Well, this book was cute, predictable, and really just "okay", but I wanted to read something cheesy that takes place at Christmas, which this book does end up ending right at Christmas, so it checked the boxes I was looking for. Because of it's predictable nature, I won't really say much about Ben and Emily's relationship because I'm sure you can guess how it ends, but let's just say that the added information about Emily's mother was a nice surprise that I didn't fully expect. I liked Emily and Ben, though I liked Ben more when he was going through hard times. Having money just kind of made him a tad more arrogant than I'd like, until his son was born and seemed to soften him. Emily's best friend Jordan was a nice side character, and Mac was a certifiable asshole who is damn lucky his daughter has just the biggest heart the world to ever forgive him for everything he's done.
Will I read the second book in this series? Maybe but it's not zooming to the top of my list anytime soon.
August 7, 2017
The description of this book caught my interest right away, but the complexity of the characters' backgrounds made for an even better story than I thought it would. I read the whole book in one night.
What I liked most about A Time to Give is how the author brought Emily and Ben together in the beginning. From the start, I liked Emily and felt bad for how her ex had treated her. And there's her controlling, back-stabbing father. He's good to her, but doesn't care who he hurts for the sake of his business. I immediately connected with Ben, who carried a grudge against the man who stole his business and ruined his life. Emily and Ben meet in a soup kitchen where they volunteer - how great is that? Two people with hidden identities who truly understand the joy of helping those less fortunate.
When Ben finds out Emily's father is the man he's bent on destroying, he runs from her arms. I enjoyed the duel between her love and his hatred. Lines are drawn, but no one ever reaches the point of no return. On top of it all, a surprise pregnancy. The characters seemed to carry a realistic suspicion of each other, but also a heart-wrenching build-up of love that neither can deny. There's also plenty of surprises that keep the story moving.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys watching two people find love. Not the fairy-tale kind, but the kind with real people who care deeply for each other, have sensible reactions for the situation, and don't give up until they're happy. It's inspirational when a book can show how people change in a way that makes me smile and feel glad I took the time to read through every page.
What I liked most about A Time to Give is how the author brought Emily and Ben together in the beginning. From the start, I liked Emily and felt bad for how her ex had treated her. And there's her controlling, back-stabbing father. He's good to her, but doesn't care who he hurts for the sake of his business. I immediately connected with Ben, who carried a grudge against the man who stole his business and ruined his life. Emily and Ben meet in a soup kitchen where they volunteer - how great is that? Two people with hidden identities who truly understand the joy of helping those less fortunate.
When Ben finds out Emily's father is the man he's bent on destroying, he runs from her arms. I enjoyed the duel between her love and his hatred. Lines are drawn, but no one ever reaches the point of no return. On top of it all, a surprise pregnancy. The characters seemed to carry a realistic suspicion of each other, but also a heart-wrenching build-up of love that neither can deny. There's also plenty of surprises that keep the story moving.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys watching two people find love. Not the fairy-tale kind, but the kind with real people who care deeply for each other, have sensible reactions for the situation, and don't give up until they're happy. It's inspirational when a book can show how people change in a way that makes me smile and feel glad I took the time to read through every page.
March 17, 2017
I'm not sure why, but I am a total sucker for a secret baby story. And A Time to Give was a satisfying read.
Emily meets down-on-his-luck Ben at the soup kitchen where she volunteers. She is friendly, soft-spoken, and tries her best to get to know Ben better. Ben is quiet, helpful around the soup kitchen, and does his best to evade Emily's attempts at friendship. Both are fighting the attraction they feel, but give into their desires one night. In the morning, Ben discovers Emily is the daughter of the man who stole his company and "ruined" his life. He leaves after accusing her of trying to keep tabs on him for her father. She, of course, had no idea who he was...
When they meet back up again six months later, Ben is in the process of getting his company back from Emily's father, who used bribery and other backhanded dealings to obtain Ben's company. He's shocked to see Emily at the meeting, and not pleased to discover she's pregnant. When push comes to shove, Ben has to decide if his desire for revenge is stronger than the love he feels for his son, and Emily.
This book had the potential to be rife with angst. It was angsty, (and I can't believe I'm going to say this...) but it wasn't as angsty as I think it should have been. Emily's father was NOT a nice man, at all - except when it came to his love for his daughter. But everyone else? They were just a means to make more money. Ben had a right to be angry about losing his company, but I felt like he gave up his vendetta a little too quickly, and let his adversary (Emily's dad) off far too easily. And sweet Emily...she wasn't exactly a doormat, but she was SO sweet I almost got a cavity reading about her. Everyone, pretty much throughout the book, acted extremely adult. In real life, that's great. In a book...maybe not so much!
Still, the book had plenty of action, and several twists and turns that made this an enjoyable book. There were several editing/proofreading errors, but not enough to irritate me. The writing and dialogue were good, and the first two chapters piqued my interest enough that I downloaded the book and kept on reading it. If the other books in this series are updated (as this one was), I might consider reading the other two books in the series. But until then, on to another book I go!
Emily meets down-on-his-luck Ben at the soup kitchen where she volunteers. She is friendly, soft-spoken, and tries her best to get to know Ben better. Ben is quiet, helpful around the soup kitchen, and does his best to evade Emily's attempts at friendship. Both are fighting the attraction they feel, but give into their desires one night. In the morning, Ben discovers Emily is the daughter of the man who stole his company and "ruined" his life. He leaves after accusing her of trying to keep tabs on him for her father. She, of course, had no idea who he was...
When they meet back up again six months later, Ben is in the process of getting his company back from Emily's father, who used bribery and other backhanded dealings to obtain Ben's company. He's shocked to see Emily at the meeting, and not pleased to discover she's pregnant. When push comes to shove, Ben has to decide if his desire for revenge is stronger than the love he feels for his son, and Emily.
This book had the potential to be rife with angst. It was angsty, (and I can't believe I'm going to say this...) but it wasn't as angsty as I think it should have been. Emily's father was NOT a nice man, at all - except when it came to his love for his daughter. But everyone else? They were just a means to make more money. Ben had a right to be angry about losing his company, but I felt like he gave up his vendetta a little too quickly, and let his adversary (Emily's dad) off far too easily. And sweet Emily...she wasn't exactly a doormat, but she was SO sweet I almost got a cavity reading about her. Everyone, pretty much throughout the book, acted extremely adult. In real life, that's great. In a book...maybe not so much!
Still, the book had plenty of action, and several twists and turns that made this an enjoyable book. There were several editing/proofreading errors, but not enough to irritate me. The writing and dialogue were good, and the first two chapters piqued my interest enough that I downloaded the book and kept on reading it. If the other books in this series are updated (as this one was), I might consider reading the other two books in the series. But until then, on to another book I go!
December 18, 2020
• I didn’t really like this book
• The book seemed a bit vague as lots of things happened and were revealed but the characters’ reactions were quick and then in the next scene it would be as if nothing happened. I liked the secrets that were revealed but I didn’t like how it was shown in the book as it’s near the end so almost straight after the reveal, the book ends.
• The main characters were fine but I didn’t like how there wasn’t really any development as one moment they were fine, then one hated the other, then the same one still ‘hated’ the other but the other one acted as if everything was fine. The side characters were all very vague and never really showed any personality and their part in a scene was always short
• I still was to read the next book and hopefully the side characters will be shown more and the plot will be more detailed
• The book seemed a bit vague as lots of things happened and were revealed but the characters’ reactions were quick and then in the next scene it would be as if nothing happened. I liked the secrets that were revealed but I didn’t like how it was shown in the book as it’s near the end so almost straight after the reveal, the book ends.
• The main characters were fine but I didn’t like how there wasn’t really any development as one moment they were fine, then one hated the other, then the same one still ‘hated’ the other but the other one acted as if everything was fine. The side characters were all very vague and never really showed any personality and their part in a scene was always short
• I still was to read the next book and hopefully the side characters will be shown more and the plot will be more detailed
June 29, 2019
This was a great read. There isn’ any profanity or graphic sexual dialogue. It is well written and there are a number of surprising twists and turns. And though it ends well at a Christmas Party given at a center that provides meals for the homeless, poor, and downtrodden I would not call it a Christmas book. Also, it isn’t a Christian romance either. Although on several occasions there is the mention of prayer or praying; but it was more like, “I prayed she was asleep.” However the book is about forgiveness. The main characters of this book are Emily and Ben and they both have lost a tremendous amount; but the two of them handle it differently. The losses they are forced to endure are at the hands of Emily’s conniving Father and his illegal business dealings. Emily doesn’t condone what her Father has done; but at the same time is able to forgive. However Ben isn’t so willing to forgive. He wants Emily’s Father to pay for what he’s done but in the end, because of his love for Emily, he is able to finally find it in his heart to forgive. There is also a Cocker Spaniel named Lady in the book. And Emily is a fan of the Disney movie and story, “Lady and the Tramp.”
February 27, 2025
So many good things about this book
I really enjoyed this story. I bought the book several years ago, then it sat on my TBR. I was worried it would be over-the-top sappy, so I kept putting it off.
Turns out, while it is emotional, it doesn’t veer into maudlin territory. The FMC is willing to stand up for herself in all her relationships, but not in an aggressive way. The character development of the MMC is gradual and realistic. While the end is HEA, it’s not without acknowledgment of the past hurts and recognition that time is needed to truly heal. The spicy scenes are tasteful and discreet without the pages of unnecessary details that just end up embarrassing.
I rarely rate books five stars, simply because I feel like the book has to be outstanding and re-readable. To me, this book falls squarely into that category. I will be reading more of Ms. Shay’s library.
I really enjoyed this story. I bought the book several years ago, then it sat on my TBR. I was worried it would be over-the-top sappy, so I kept putting it off.
Turns out, while it is emotional, it doesn’t veer into maudlin territory. The FMC is willing to stand up for herself in all her relationships, but not in an aggressive way. The character development of the MMC is gradual and realistic. While the end is HEA, it’s not without acknowledgment of the past hurts and recognition that time is needed to truly heal. The spicy scenes are tasteful and discreet without the pages of unnecessary details that just end up embarrassing.
I rarely rate books five stars, simply because I feel like the book has to be outstanding and re-readable. To me, this book falls squarely into that category. I will be reading more of Ms. Shay’s library.
February 7, 2017
I can't believe I hadn't read this book already as I have read so many written by Kathryn Shay. A Time to Give did not disappoint - a book about two individuals overcoming their past hurts and circumstances to build a future together. Ben lost everything and blames it all on the man who took it from him. Emily falls for a man who is down on his luck. They don't know how entwined their pasts are and one night leads to the start of a future together. Can Ben forgive Emily for who she is? Can she show him that some people are more than where they came from? Watching Ben learn to trust again and really forgive Emily for who she is was heartwarming. Another winner in my eyes!
June 27, 2017
Book: A Time to Give (About the Baby #1) by Kathryn Shay
Published: January 18th, 2017
Pages: 384
Genres: Romance, Freebie On Amazon
Format: Kindle
Date Read: June 21st-24th, 2017
Rating: 3 Stars
I really liked the premise of this book and I absolutely love the author but for some reason this book just didn't "do it" for me. It was a decent read but there was just so many things about it that I just couldn't get on board with. I liked the hero and heronine well enough but the story itself could have been a lot longer. The main characters weren't happy with each other for the longest time and then out of the blue everything is going well and the hero wants to do things to make the heroine happy. It all just happened too quickly for me.
That being said, it was still an good enough read to get 3 stars in my book.
This review can also be found on my blog The Book Potato
Published: January 18th, 2017
Pages: 384
Genres: Romance, Freebie On Amazon
Format: Kindle
Date Read: June 21st-24th, 2017
Rating: 3 Stars
I really liked the premise of this book and I absolutely love the author but for some reason this book just didn't "do it" for me. It was a decent read but there was just so many things about it that I just couldn't get on board with. I liked the hero and heronine well enough but the story itself could have been a lot longer. The main characters weren't happy with each other for the longest time and then out of the blue everything is going well and the hero wants to do things to make the heroine happy. It all just happened too quickly for me.
That being said, it was still an good enough read to get 3 stars in my book.
This review can also be found on my blog The Book Potato
April 29, 2023
This is why I love Kathryn Shay
Kathryn is books always have a feel good vibe to them. They make want to cheer for the villain to change & hope the good guys don't get hurt in the process of finding restitution. Ben's inate goodness & sense of fair play were severely damaged by Mac's past actions but he managed to overcome this with the help of Emily. This couple made me believe in love & the triumph of gods over evil despite a very real desire to seek revenge. I would recommend to book to anyone who believes in fair play, honesty, truth & the inner goodness of the soul.
Kathryn is books always have a feel good vibe to them. They make want to cheer for the villain to change & hope the good guys don't get hurt in the process of finding restitution. Ben's inate goodness & sense of fair play were severely damaged by Mac's past actions but he managed to overcome this with the help of Emily. This couple made me believe in love & the triumph of gods over evil despite a very real desire to seek revenge. I would recommend to book to anyone who believes in fair play, honesty, truth & the inner goodness of the soul.
June 28, 2017
I thought the book was a little confusing and hard to follow at times. Benedict Cassidy keeps his identity a secret, but comes to the Cassidy Place, a kitchen to feed the poor. Emily Emily is the daughter of Lammon McKenzie, the man of maneuvered to take Ben's dad's business away from him. Ben is driven to get the business back. Emily volunteers at Cassidy Place and neither know who the other really is.
January 27, 2018
Sweet. Maybe too sweet, but so well written that I as a reader did not mind in the least. Although I do not think that people - or at least I do not know any - can be so forgiving, or so full of remorse, in reality, the characters themselves were realistic enough otherwise, showing that love, determination, and the belief in yourself can conquer everything.
I really loved reading this, and will try to get more of this author.
I really loved reading this, and will try to get more of this author.
March 14, 2017
I received this book free from Amazon and I am voluntarily writing an honest review. Kathryn Shay is one of those authors when I see her name on a book I get excited because I know I am going to love reading it. A Time to Give is one of those books that I fell in love with the characters and their story. This is a story about falling in love and having it heal you and change you for the better.
August 28, 2017
I thought this was a pretty good story. I was confused as to why she took so much of his crap even after he told her he didn't trust or believe her, she just blindly loved him. That was weird to me. Then Ben and good old dad just burying the hatchet with as much hatred as they both had, also confused me. I did like it, and I liked the characters, especially at the soup kitchen.
July 5, 2022
wonderful romantic read
This author has a way of telling a story that draws you in to all the emotions. She even managed to redeem a seemingly unredeemable person in a believable way. Loved this story. Only 2 sex scenes, not too graphic and easy to skip over if you don’t want to read them. Clean language only a couple swear words. But still gritty. Great balance.
This author has a way of telling a story that draws you in to all the emotions. She even managed to redeem a seemingly unredeemable person in a believable way. Loved this story. Only 2 sex scenes, not too graphic and easy to skip over if you don’t want to read them. Clean language only a couple swear words. But still gritty. Great balance.
February 22, 2017
Loved the chemistry between Ben and Emily and how their backgrounds provide for an intense story. The reader becomes involved with Emily's hard decisions she must make about Ben and her family. A great read.
May 16, 2017
I love all of her books that I've read. I enjoy a couple who finds love when they are least expect it. I enjoy the process of watching them come alone the highs and lows of
Finding that forever love.
Finding that forever love.
June 20, 2022
Forgiveness & H.E.A.'s!
A nice story with an interesting beginning setting. The triumph of good over evil and the healing power of love and forgiveness though predictable is still one that needs to be told and retold!
A nice story with an interesting beginning setting. The triumph of good over evil and the healing power of love and forgiveness though predictable is still one that needs to be told and retold!
June 21, 2022
Good story
A volunteer and a guest meeting at a soup kitchen and then get together? It happened.
Beautiful emotional and a rollercoaster of a ride with this story.
Would recommend this book. Not at all spicy if you are looking for that.
A volunteer and a guest meeting at a soup kitchen and then get together? It happened.
Beautiful emotional and a rollercoaster of a ride with this story.
Would recommend this book. Not at all spicy if you are looking for that.
July 13, 2022
Emily works at a shop kitchen. Unknown to her, Emily's father screwed over the man she is falling in love with. Their journey is straight out of a Hallmark movie. And I mean that in the best way. I enjoyed the book, love it when characters grow.
April 12, 2023
I had tears in my eyes when this book ended
Loved the story and the characters. Loved the ending. Wish Trey and Jordan had been better defined and wish there had been just a little retribution, but a very fulfilling story.
Loved the story and the characters. Loved the ending. Wish Trey and Jordan had been better defined and wish there had been just a little retribution, but a very fulfilling story.
October 25, 2023
Ben and Emily
A very complex story of a couple falling in love. Finding out that her Dad was person that brought him down. All he wants is revenge. How can he get that without hurting Emily.
A very complex story of a couple falling in love. Finding out that her Dad was person that brought him down. All he wants is revenge. How can he get that without hurting Emily.
March 22, 2017
This book was not a super hot and heavy book so if that's what you want you may want to skip this. However, this book was a great story with character-driven plots. I liked that we got to know these characters outside of a true relationship. While I did think some of this stuff was totally unbelievable and fixed way too easily, the core characters had to work at happiness. I do wish Ben wouldn't have been such an ass for so much of it though.
March 24, 2017
I'm new to Ms. Shay's book but after reading this one I definitely want to read more! What a great story of 2 people who are attracted to each other without knowing much about the other one. They have so much against their HEA but with a lot of work, forgiveness and understanding they are able to work things out not just with each other but with their families as well. I received an e-copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
June 19, 2017
Sweet story and a great ending.
July 19, 2017
another hit by K Shay
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