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An Unexpected Blessing
Single Mom Katy Roth thinks life can't get any worse. In the past six months she's been let go at work, had to move back home with her parents, and found out her ex is cutting his child support payment. As Thanksgiving approaches, she finds little to be thankful for in a life that is quickly spinning out of control.Joe Mason is the town's bad boy. Literally. He's just returned from a four year stint in prison. He wants nothing more than to put the past behind him and get on with his life. He's had a secret crush on Katy since grade school, but when Katy's parents hire him to be their handyman, she's less than thrilled to have him around.But soon, through her young son's eyes, Katy discovers the good in Joe. As their feelings for one another deepen, small town gossip and prejudice threaten to ruin everything. Will Joe's past come between them, or will they be able to get beyond it and hold onto a love neither expected?
- GenresContemporary
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2012
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 6, 2013
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/bo...
Bad boys are popular, from rogues and rakes in historical romances, to tattooed musicians in contemporary romance novels. I have nothing against them, but too many is never good. There is another problem with bad boys especially in real life – most of them stay bad. But in novels it is very common to see them reformed under the magic spell of true love. Therefore, from time to time I discover a different approach to the transformation from bad boy to good and it’s more than welcome. This is exactly the main reason why I liked Debra St. John’s An Unexpected Blessing.
An Unexpected Blessing features Joe Mason who spent some time in prison and his past is not a rosy one. He is well aware of his transgressions, and now that he has served his time he wants to just lead a normal life. Joe Mason is a bad boy, but at the very beginning of the story he is also reformed one, but not by the love of the heroine – Katy Roth – or through his love for her, but because he learned his lesson in prison. What actually stands between him and his path to a happy life is the small-minded community into which he returned. Fortunately, with Katy’s help and love he realized that if love is a true one than it will conquer all; prejudices, gossips and fears.
As I already mentioned, I liked this story because there was a shift from the usual bad boy transformation. I also liked it because the author wrote a small town mentality so realistically and palpable, it felt genuine. Katy’s character is also great. I loved how she stood up for Joe, but also how she fought for their relationship and his stubbornness.
Usually stories that features a small town, a single mother and some kind of holiday tend to be too sweet and full of unnecessary drama and emotions. But not An Unexpected Blessing. This story is a pearl, a great shiny pearl. It is really worth reading. And, it comes with bonus features: lovely recipes for your Thanksgiving dinner.
Bad boys are popular, from rogues and rakes in historical romances, to tattooed musicians in contemporary romance novels. I have nothing against them, but too many is never good. There is another problem with bad boys especially in real life – most of them stay bad. But in novels it is very common to see them reformed under the magic spell of true love. Therefore, from time to time I discover a different approach to the transformation from bad boy to good and it’s more than welcome. This is exactly the main reason why I liked Debra St. John’s An Unexpected Blessing.
An Unexpected Blessing features Joe Mason who spent some time in prison and his past is not a rosy one. He is well aware of his transgressions, and now that he has served his time he wants to just lead a normal life. Joe Mason is a bad boy, but at the very beginning of the story he is also reformed one, but not by the love of the heroine – Katy Roth – or through his love for her, but because he learned his lesson in prison. What actually stands between him and his path to a happy life is the small-minded community into which he returned. Fortunately, with Katy’s help and love he realized that if love is a true one than it will conquer all; prejudices, gossips and fears.
As I already mentioned, I liked this story because there was a shift from the usual bad boy transformation. I also liked it because the author wrote a small town mentality so realistically and palpable, it felt genuine. Katy’s character is also great. I loved how she stood up for Joe, but also how she fought for their relationship and his stubbornness.
Usually stories that features a small town, a single mother and some kind of holiday tend to be too sweet and full of unnecessary drama and emotions. But not An Unexpected Blessing. This story is a pearl, a great shiny pearl. It is really worth reading. And, it comes with bonus features: lovely recipes for your Thanksgiving dinner.
June 8, 2013
Reviewed by: JoAnne
Book provided by: Publisher
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This was a quick read, but lacked closure. Yes, there was going to be a happily ever after. But I was confused as to why Katy’s ex and Kyle’s dad was mentioned when he really had no reason to be included in the story. Since Andrew was not only mentioned but came to visit and was threatening towards his ex wife it was a loose end that wasn’t tied in at all, while Katy tried to ignore him and his demands as unimportant. His inclusion just left me wondering, huh?
There was romance and love, family, fun, a second chance, small mindedness of the townspeople and darkness all thrown in and it worked. The characters were well developed, except Andrew, and Katy and Joe had many layers to them that when peeled back you couldn’t help but like them. Kyle was what you see is what you get along with Katy’s mom, Sarah.
The previous book I read by St John had a Christmas theme whereas this one was set in the fall and at Thanksgiving. At the back of the book there were recipes from their family Thanksgiving dinner and many will find their way to my table.
To me, An Unexpected Blessing was a nice story that could have been made better.
Book provided by: Publisher
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This was a quick read, but lacked closure. Yes, there was going to be a happily ever after. But I was confused as to why Katy’s ex and Kyle’s dad was mentioned when he really had no reason to be included in the story. Since Andrew was not only mentioned but came to visit and was threatening towards his ex wife it was a loose end that wasn’t tied in at all, while Katy tried to ignore him and his demands as unimportant. His inclusion just left me wondering, huh?
There was romance and love, family, fun, a second chance, small mindedness of the townspeople and darkness all thrown in and it worked. The characters were well developed, except Andrew, and Katy and Joe had many layers to them that when peeled back you couldn’t help but like them. Kyle was what you see is what you get along with Katy’s mom, Sarah.
The previous book I read by St John had a Christmas theme whereas this one was set in the fall and at Thanksgiving. At the back of the book there were recipes from their family Thanksgiving dinner and many will find their way to my table.
To me, An Unexpected Blessing was a nice story that could have been made better.
January 6, 2013
This is a wonderful and touching holiday story about love, second chances, and small town life. It’s a beautifully written romance and so heartwarming, I recommend as a great read any time of year. Not only does it remind the reader about the importance of Thanksgiving but it also reminds us to open our hearts and minds to those who’ve made mistakes and are working to set things right. Everyone deserves a second chance if they work for it and this book highlights how detrimental gossiping and bullying can be in that setting.
March 2, 2013
To read my review on Romancing-the-Book.com click on the link below:
http://romancing-the-book.com/2013/02...
http://romancing-the-book.com/2013/02...
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews