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Disguised Blessing
Silver Linings After years of being alone, Catherine Miller thinks she's finally found happiness. Engaged to an adoring, successful executive, she lives in a luxurious house, and her beautiful fifteen-year-old daughter, Linda, is on the brink of college and adulthood. Then, Catherine's rose-colored world is shattered. Her daughter is burned terribly in a freak accident, and just when Catherine needs him most, her fiancé abandons her. Now Catherine must call on every ounce of courage and strength she has to help her beloved daughter recover. Fortunately, she's got help in fire captain Rick Sawyer, an expert burn counselor. Ruggedly handsome, appealingly down-to-earth, Rick is like no man Catherine has ever met. But Catherine made the wrong choice before. How can she trust her emotions--especially when it's not just her heart at stake but her daughter's life, too? In the tradition of Barbara Delinsky comes this poignant, moving story of the bonds of family, the strength of love, and the courage to dare.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2000
24 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Georgia Bockoven
28 books175 followersGeorgia was a Army child, who after a successful career as a freelance photo journalist before she turned to fiction writing. Published since 1983, she is an award-winning author whose books have sold more than four million copies worldwide. Her romance novel, A Marriage of Convenience, became a CBS movie in October of 1998 starring Jane Seymour and James Brolin.
Married wich John Bockoven, she is the mother of two, and resides in Northern California. When her husband retired from the fire department, she decided to take a break from writing and spend more time together. The result was a nature photography business that is both challenging and filled with creative energy.
Married wich John Bockoven, she is the mother of two, and resides in Northern California. When her husband retired from the fire department, she decided to take a break from writing and spend more time together. The result was a nature photography business that is both challenging and filled with creative energy.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 8, 2020
I read this book a long time ago and was reading another book by a different author when this story popped into my head. Not sure why as the other story had nothing in common with this one but there is was stuck in my head. I read the book long before ebooks and had to find it again. I had to read it again and after much searching I found it because I couldn't remember the title or author but I knew I had to find it.
I found it and reread it. I loved this story about Lynda, a teenage burn victim who is befriended by a burn counselor named Rick Sawyer. Lynda is a popular teenager with everything going for her until she is burned. She is taken to a Shriner's Hospital where she meets Rick. He knows what she is going through and she gives him hell at first. He is the first one to treat her without kid gloves.
Her mom feels responsible for her daughter's accident and she spends all of her time with her daughter. Catherine, her mom, is engaged and has everything she wants but she soon finds out that she is engaged to a man she doesn't recognize anymore.
Lynda goes through so much while recovering and the way the story is told it is like we are there with her as she struggles. Rick is her anchor and soon becomes Catherine's anchor as well. Nothing is sugarcoated and this story is not without some sadness but it's very realistic. I was drawn to the characters and the story. It is a love story but it's also about survival,strength, courage and the human spirit.
Ms. Bockoven writes with emotion that draw the reader in. She writes about wonderful characters that you can't help but care about and there is a wonderful dog, Blue in this story too. He is just as amazing as the humans in the story.
I will seek out more books from this author and I am so glad that I was able to find this one again.
I found it and reread it. I loved this story about Lynda, a teenage burn victim who is befriended by a burn counselor named Rick Sawyer. Lynda is a popular teenager with everything going for her until she is burned. She is taken to a Shriner's Hospital where she meets Rick. He knows what she is going through and she gives him hell at first. He is the first one to treat her without kid gloves.
Her mom feels responsible for her daughter's accident and she spends all of her time with her daughter. Catherine, her mom, is engaged and has everything she wants but she soon finds out that she is engaged to a man she doesn't recognize anymore.
Lynda goes through so much while recovering and the way the story is told it is like we are there with her as she struggles. Rick is her anchor and soon becomes Catherine's anchor as well. Nothing is sugarcoated and this story is not without some sadness but it's very realistic. I was drawn to the characters and the story. It is a love story but it's also about survival,strength, courage and the human spirit.
Ms. Bockoven writes with emotion that draw the reader in. She writes about wonderful characters that you can't help but care about and there is a wonderful dog, Blue in this story too. He is just as amazing as the humans in the story.
I will seek out more books from this author and I am so glad that I was able to find this one again.
January 24, 2017
This is a very moving story with extremely well written characters. Don't let the name mixup (just poor editing) of a very minor character get in the way of enjoying the story. Some reviewers really got hung up on this. I definitely recommend this book.
February 8, 2017
Disguised Blessing
A heart wrenching story with many twists and turns. Reaches deep into pain and recovery both physically a nod spiritually. There are many lessons to be learned in this book.
A heart wrenching story with many twists and turns. Reaches deep into pain and recovery both physically a nod spiritually. There are many lessons to be learned in this book.
September 10, 2015
It was actually very good.
December 12, 2013
Just a great book. I hated to close it at then end.
February 21, 2023
I absolutely enjoyed The Long Road Home, which is one of Georgia Bockoven's older books, and so I decided to pick this one up.
What stood out to me was the love and patience that Rick quickly showed for Catherine's daughter. From beginning to end, Rick put Lynda first and prioritized her needs. Also, I couldn't help but notice this author's writing. All throughout the story, there was witty dialogue and clever descriptions. I could really visualize what Georgia Bockoven wanted to show.
Overall, I didn't love Disguised Blessing quite as much as I loved TLRH, but I had a great time. I wish the romance between Rick and Catherine developed more during the story, but I enjoyed what I did see.
What stood out to me was the love and patience that Rick quickly showed for Catherine's daughter. From beginning to end, Rick put Lynda first and prioritized her needs. Also, I couldn't help but notice this author's writing. All throughout the story, there was witty dialogue and clever descriptions. I could really visualize what Georgia Bockoven wanted to show.
Overall, I didn't love Disguised Blessing quite as much as I loved TLRH, but I had a great time. I wish the romance between Rick and Catherine developed more during the story, but I enjoyed what I did see.
June 3, 2024
Enjoyable, easy read. Characters were developed well. I wasn't ready for it to end. First book by Bockoven. I did see the one book made into a movie and am looking for that book to read.
I do wish the sex with the soon to be former fiance had not been in there. It did not add to the story.
I do wish the sex with the soon to be former fiance had not been in there. It did not add to the story.
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July 1, 2017she has a 15yr old daughter and a man she wants to marry. but the daughter is burned at a fire pit while wearing the moms sweater. the man is totally not supporting her when she needs him most. they break up and the fireman assigned to help them falls in love with her. the girl has a lot of adjusting to her new life and so does her mother
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2021
Hoopla ebook, last one that I had not read. Will have to start all the books again she's that good.
November 12, 2013
Manchmal brauche sogar ich einen Roman zwischendurch, der ein wenig.. sagen wir einfacher gestrickt ist, der ein wenig mehr Gefühl und weniger Vampir - Horror - oder Krimielemente erhielt. Nachdem ich bei meiner Tante die Bücherkiste durchwühlt habe, schien mir dieser Roman genau das richtige zu sein.
Lest hier nun also meine Rezension dazu, ob er wirklich richtig war, ob ich wirklich etwas damit anfangen konnte.
Lynda ist 15 und mit ihrer Mutter und deren Verlobten Tom in das Wochenendhaus gefahren, um ein wenig Zeit zu dritt zu verbringen. Lynda hat jedoch schon einige Verabredungen getroffen, welche ihrer Mutter nicht so richtig in den Kram passen.
Dennoch lässt sie sie am Abend zu einer Party gehen, wenn auch unter bestimmten Vorraussetzungen: Zu einer bestimmten Uhrzeit zuhause zu sein und einen grünen Pullover mitzunehmen, welcher sie abends vor der Kälte schützen soll.
Lynda ist davon gar nicht begeistert und nimmt den Pullover nur widerwillig mit. Auf der Party passiert dann genau das, womit niemans gerechnet hat: Lynda verheddert sich mit den Bommeln ihres Pullovers im Grill, dieser fängt Feuer und das Unglück nimmt seinen Lauf. Obwohl Brian, einer der anwesenden Jungs geistesgegenwärtig reagiert und alles versucht, um das Feuer zu löschen, erleidet Lynda schwerste Verbrennungen an, vor allem am Rücken. Brian ist auch derjenige, der im Krankenhaus als einziger von ihren Freunden nicht von ihrer Seite weicht, auch wenn Lynda die anderen nicht mal sehen will und auch ihn anfangs nicht sehen wollte.
Chatherine, welche sich die Schuld an dem Unglück gibt, weil sie ihre Tochter dazu gedrängt hat, den Pullover mitzunehmen, macht sich die größten Vorwürfe und ihr Verlobter Tom ist ihr dabei nun wirklich keine große Hilfe, eher im Gegenteil. Einzig der Feuerwehr Mann Rick, welcher ihr ein Jahr lang zur Seite gestellt wird, um wieder ins Leben zurückzufinden, ist ihr und ihrer Tochter eine große Hilfe auf dem Weg der Genesung..
Der Schreibstil war recht einfach, wie es sich für einen solchen Roman gehört, allerdings hatte ich manchmal das Gefühl, die Autorin wollte einfach nur schnell fertig werden.
Gerade was Lynda und ihre seelischen Probleme nach dem Unfall angeht, denn darauf wurde meiner Meinung nach zuwenig bis gar nicht richtig eingegangen.
Sie hatte diesen Unfall, schön.
Sie hat nun also Verbrennungen, auch schön.
Machen wir doch einfach so weiter wie bisher.
Es wurde kaum darauf eingegangen, was Lynda denkt, wie sie sich mit all den Narben fühlt. Als 15jähriges, junges Mädchen akzeptiert man das doch nicht einfach so? Oder doch?
Rick war mir eigentlich ein wenig sympatischer. Auch wenn es eigentlich eher sein Job ist, versucht er zu Lynda eine Art Vertrauensverhältnis aufzubauen und auch zu Lyndas Mutter Catherine fühlt er sich hingezogen.. wäre da nicht Jack.
Jack ist Catherines Exmann und Lyndas Vater. Obwohl er sich jahrelang nicht um seine Tochter gekümmert hat, eilt er an das Bett seiner Tochter, nähert sich ihr und sogar wieder ein wenig seiner Exfrau.
Allgemein wusste ich Lynda oft genug nicht einzuschätzen. Ihre Reaktionen, ihre Handlungen, gerade eine bestimmte Reaktion, die ich hier gerade nicht zu sehr erörtern möchte.
Das obligatorische Happy End findet natürlich statt und eigentlich hat es auch recht gut zu der Gesamtsituation gepasst.
Alles in allem war es ein Buch, von dem ich vielleicht ein wenig mehr Tiefgang erwartet hatte, welches sich aber gut "zwischenschieben" lässt.
Lest hier nun also meine Rezension dazu, ob er wirklich richtig war, ob ich wirklich etwas damit anfangen konnte.
Lynda ist 15 und mit ihrer Mutter und deren Verlobten Tom in das Wochenendhaus gefahren, um ein wenig Zeit zu dritt zu verbringen. Lynda hat jedoch schon einige Verabredungen getroffen, welche ihrer Mutter nicht so richtig in den Kram passen.
Dennoch lässt sie sie am Abend zu einer Party gehen, wenn auch unter bestimmten Vorraussetzungen: Zu einer bestimmten Uhrzeit zuhause zu sein und einen grünen Pullover mitzunehmen, welcher sie abends vor der Kälte schützen soll.
Lynda ist davon gar nicht begeistert und nimmt den Pullover nur widerwillig mit. Auf der Party passiert dann genau das, womit niemans gerechnet hat: Lynda verheddert sich mit den Bommeln ihres Pullovers im Grill, dieser fängt Feuer und das Unglück nimmt seinen Lauf. Obwohl Brian, einer der anwesenden Jungs geistesgegenwärtig reagiert und alles versucht, um das Feuer zu löschen, erleidet Lynda schwerste Verbrennungen an, vor allem am Rücken. Brian ist auch derjenige, der im Krankenhaus als einziger von ihren Freunden nicht von ihrer Seite weicht, auch wenn Lynda die anderen nicht mal sehen will und auch ihn anfangs nicht sehen wollte.
Chatherine, welche sich die Schuld an dem Unglück gibt, weil sie ihre Tochter dazu gedrängt hat, den Pullover mitzunehmen, macht sich die größten Vorwürfe und ihr Verlobter Tom ist ihr dabei nun wirklich keine große Hilfe, eher im Gegenteil. Einzig der Feuerwehr Mann Rick, welcher ihr ein Jahr lang zur Seite gestellt wird, um wieder ins Leben zurückzufinden, ist ihr und ihrer Tochter eine große Hilfe auf dem Weg der Genesung..
Der Schreibstil war recht einfach, wie es sich für einen solchen Roman gehört, allerdings hatte ich manchmal das Gefühl, die Autorin wollte einfach nur schnell fertig werden.
Gerade was Lynda und ihre seelischen Probleme nach dem Unfall angeht, denn darauf wurde meiner Meinung nach zuwenig bis gar nicht richtig eingegangen.
Sie hatte diesen Unfall, schön.
Sie hat nun also Verbrennungen, auch schön.
Machen wir doch einfach so weiter wie bisher.
Es wurde kaum darauf eingegangen, was Lynda denkt, wie sie sich mit all den Narben fühlt. Als 15jähriges, junges Mädchen akzeptiert man das doch nicht einfach so? Oder doch?
Rick war mir eigentlich ein wenig sympatischer. Auch wenn es eigentlich eher sein Job ist, versucht er zu Lynda eine Art Vertrauensverhältnis aufzubauen und auch zu Lyndas Mutter Catherine fühlt er sich hingezogen.. wäre da nicht Jack.
Jack ist Catherines Exmann und Lyndas Vater. Obwohl er sich jahrelang nicht um seine Tochter gekümmert hat, eilt er an das Bett seiner Tochter, nähert sich ihr und sogar wieder ein wenig seiner Exfrau.
Allgemein wusste ich Lynda oft genug nicht einzuschätzen. Ihre Reaktionen, ihre Handlungen, gerade eine bestimmte Reaktion, die ich hier gerade nicht zu sehr erörtern möchte.
Das obligatorische Happy End findet natürlich statt und eigentlich hat es auch recht gut zu der Gesamtsituation gepasst.
Alles in allem war es ein Buch, von dem ich vielleicht ein wenig mehr Tiefgang erwartet hatte, welches sich aber gut "zwischenschieben" lässt.
July 12, 2014
This was an easy story to get into - a divorced woman whose carefully planned life is in upheaval after a tragic accident. Enter the handsome firefighter who volunteers as a burn counselor, and you can guess the rest.
Opening Lines:
Catherine Miller stood at the cabin's kitchen window and watched a squirrel stretch from one branch of a fir tree to the next in an effort to reach the bird feeder she'd put up less than an hour ago.
I know this dog...
Blue let out a soft whine. "Oh, and don't let him talk you into giving him more than one dog bone." "From the look on his face I don't think one is going to be enough." "Break it in half," Rick said from the doorway. "That way he'll think he's getting two."
Opening Lines:
Catherine Miller stood at the cabin's kitchen window and watched a squirrel stretch from one branch of a fir tree to the next in an effort to reach the bird feeder she'd put up less than an hour ago.
I know this dog...
Blue let out a soft whine. "Oh, and don't let him talk you into giving him more than one dog bone." "From the look on his face I don't think one is going to be enough." "Break it in half," Rick said from the doorway. "That way he'll think he's getting two."
Read
August 6, 2014I absolutely loved this book. Its the story of a young girl who is burned in an accident and how she copes with her changed appearance and how it affects her friends and family and the firefighter that helps with her recovery. It also is the tale of her mother and her relationships (with her ex husband and her fiancée)-both of whom show their true colors in the aftermath. Both the mother and daughter find love in the aftermath of this tragedy and it also tells of other burned children.
Another hit book by Georgia Bockoven (author of the Beach House series)
Another hit book by Georgia Bockoven (author of the Beach House series)
April 10, 2013
This glimpse into the lives of burn victims was wrapped up in a romance novel. It was uplifting and informative without preaching.
May 1, 2014
A good_read!
I really enjoyed this book and all the characters in it. The story Iine was easy to keep up with. I will invest in more books from this author.
I really enjoyed this book and all the characters in it. The story Iine was easy to keep up with. I will invest in more books from this author.
September 5, 2014
A perfectly enjoyable chick lit read.
November 18, 2013
I really enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews