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Unexpecting
Shelley and David are a couple of almost-empty-nesters preparing to embark on the next stage of their life. They've just ordered white furniture and are planning the vacation they've waited their entire lives to take.
Their lives are catapulted in a completely different direction when Alexandra, seventeen and pregnant, shows up on their doorstep and announces that she's the daughter they never knew they had! Their life becomes filled with dilemmas as they add not only another child, but also a baby to a household that was just about to become serene.
Shelley feels like she no longer fits in anywhere and to top it off, having two teenaged girls suddenly plunged into being sisters and school mates is not exactly warm and fuzzy. When Alexandra's behavior becomes erratic, the couple is faced with even tougher decisions to make.
Hold on for an emotional yet witty ride as you join this family of characters in a story of love, loyalty, heartbreak, and humor that will stay with you long after you turn the last page!
Their lives are catapulted in a completely different direction when Alexandra, seventeen and pregnant, shows up on their doorstep and announces that she's the daughter they never knew they had! Their life becomes filled with dilemmas as they add not only another child, but also a baby to a household that was just about to become serene.
Shelley feels like she no longer fits in anywhere and to top it off, having two teenaged girls suddenly plunged into being sisters and school mates is not exactly warm and fuzzy. When Alexandra's behavior becomes erratic, the couple is faced with even tougher decisions to make.
Hold on for an emotional yet witty ride as you join this family of characters in a story of love, loyalty, heartbreak, and humor that will stay with you long after you turn the last page!
272 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2013
3 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Lori Verni-Fogarsi
6 books50 followersI'm an author whose debut novel, "Momnesia," was published 3/16/12 Brickstone Publishing.
I have been a freelance writer, journalist, columnist, and seminar speaker for 15+ years and I am the author of the nonfiction book, "Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies and Adult Dogs," which has been widely acclaimed in its genre.
I'm a happily married mom of two, step mom of two more, and have two cats, both rotten. I divide my time between Raleigh, NC, and Lake Gaston, VA.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, boating, relaxing, and attending my childrens' activities.
I have been a freelance writer, journalist, columnist, and seminar speaker for 15+ years and I am the author of the nonfiction book, "Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies and Adult Dogs," which has been widely acclaimed in its genre.
I'm a happily married mom of two, step mom of two more, and have two cats, both rotten. I divide my time between Raleigh, NC, and Lake Gaston, VA.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, boating, relaxing, and attending my childrens' activities.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 23, 2013
I was completely blown away!
I first must say Thanks for reading my blog, now if you are here PLEASE read Momnesia! It is the first book and a must read. This should be a series, in fact I demand it become one! So, I am not too full of myself there am I? Who cares if I am? I will even beg her if I must. The structure of Momnesia and now this must be built upon. I think it would be an injustice to leave this one alone as a two book series and not a trilogy. I think that is not the boys Grace and Rose are in need of a book. There I will beg more later.
This takes place a few years after Momnesia, and Sweet Shelley Bean and David are married an almost empty nesters. the way it starts just warms little heart, then the bomb drops, Davis has a daughter Alexandra he didn't know about. He had a little short lived fling with Patsy and she is the result. She passed away and I was so darn emotional over it! the poor girl stayed with a friend and then literally had to sleep in her Ford Fiesta with her dog "Tiny" who is a mini moose. the fact that she had a few months before she turned 18 and nobody to go to, she finds Shelley and knocks on the door.
This was totally different from Momnesia! It was not funny and quirky, but very real. I love saying epic when it comes to a book and this was for sure epic! I think Alex and her struggles (that you need to read about) are so current and real. It was very strong and emotional. The children are all back and grown up. I think it was nice to see how they evolved and matured. There was not one thing I didnt like about this book.
Several times you will get a little chuckle, but Shelley and David are a super hero couple who have endured and come out on top. A very emotional journey that must be read! The author has such a grasp on character growth and reality it will be a favorite and I know a best seller. Just to shut me up READ It NOW!
I first must say Thanks for reading my blog, now if you are here PLEASE read Momnesia! It is the first book and a must read. This should be a series, in fact I demand it become one! So, I am not too full of myself there am I? Who cares if I am? I will even beg her if I must. The structure of Momnesia and now this must be built upon. I think it would be an injustice to leave this one alone as a two book series and not a trilogy. I think that is not the boys Grace and Rose are in need of a book. There I will beg more later.
This takes place a few years after Momnesia, and Sweet Shelley Bean and David are married an almost empty nesters. the way it starts just warms little heart, then the bomb drops, Davis has a daughter Alexandra he didn't know about. He had a little short lived fling with Patsy and she is the result. She passed away and I was so darn emotional over it! the poor girl stayed with a friend and then literally had to sleep in her Ford Fiesta with her dog "Tiny" who is a mini moose. the fact that she had a few months before she turned 18 and nobody to go to, she finds Shelley and knocks on the door.
This was totally different from Momnesia! It was not funny and quirky, but very real. I love saying epic when it comes to a book and this was for sure epic! I think Alex and her struggles (that you need to read about) are so current and real. It was very strong and emotional. The children are all back and grown up. I think it was nice to see how they evolved and matured. There was not one thing I didnt like about this book.
Several times you will get a little chuckle, but Shelley and David are a super hero couple who have endured and come out on top. A very emotional journey that must be read! The author has such a grasp on character growth and reality it will be a favorite and I know a best seller. Just to shut me up READ It NOW!
April 30, 2013
Shelley and David Morsony are relishing the day that they will be empty-nesters. With three children in college and one a senior in high school, they're planning the next stage of their married life. But life sometimes has a funny way of unexpectedly throwing curve balls that will ultimately change their plans.
Unexpecting is a poignant story about family, heartbreak, forgiveness and unconditional love. Author Lori Verni-Forgasi weaves a realistic tale written in the third person narrative that documents the changes, challenges, responsibilities and obligations that occur in a blended family when a new and unexpected family member comes into their lives.
Set in Spring Valley, North Carolina, the reader follows along with the trials and tribulations that Shelley and David Morsony along with their children Michael (24), Russell (22), Rose (19) and Grace (17) face when Alexandra Johansen (17) shows up on their doorstep eight months pregnant and claiming to be David's daughter. This emotional tale of family drama, turmoil and emotional baggage is mainly told from the perspective of Shelley, but does include the perspectives of David and Alexandra, which provides the reader with a view into the family's complexities as they face and overcome the troubling issues of teen pregnancy and substance abuse that Alexandra brought into their already blended family. The story has a way of captivating the reader, it takes you on a palpable roller coaster ride where you feel the full gamut of emotions, you can't help but become emotionally invested in the Morsony family's story.
With a realistic cast of characters who are complex and flawed; witty dialogue and dramatic interactions; and a powerful storyline about a family that could be yours or mine; Unexpecting is a compelling story that will tug at your heartstrings and stay with you for a long time.
Unexpecting is an amazing story that captures the gritty, real-life portrayal of a family's emotional journey to overcome life's challenges with unconditional love.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Unexpecting is a poignant story about family, heartbreak, forgiveness and unconditional love. Author Lori Verni-Forgasi weaves a realistic tale written in the third person narrative that documents the changes, challenges, responsibilities and obligations that occur in a blended family when a new and unexpected family member comes into their lives.
Set in Spring Valley, North Carolina, the reader follows along with the trials and tribulations that Shelley and David Morsony along with their children Michael (24), Russell (22), Rose (19) and Grace (17) face when Alexandra Johansen (17) shows up on their doorstep eight months pregnant and claiming to be David's daughter. This emotional tale of family drama, turmoil and emotional baggage is mainly told from the perspective of Shelley, but does include the perspectives of David and Alexandra, which provides the reader with a view into the family's complexities as they face and overcome the troubling issues of teen pregnancy and substance abuse that Alexandra brought into their already blended family. The story has a way of captivating the reader, it takes you on a palpable roller coaster ride where you feel the full gamut of emotions, you can't help but become emotionally invested in the Morsony family's story.
With a realistic cast of characters who are complex and flawed; witty dialogue and dramatic interactions; and a powerful storyline about a family that could be yours or mine; Unexpecting is a compelling story that will tug at your heartstrings and stay with you for a long time.
Unexpecting is an amazing story that captures the gritty, real-life portrayal of a family's emotional journey to overcome life's challenges with unconditional love.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
June 25, 2014
I LOVED this book! I laughed, cried, lots of twists and turns.
April 27, 2013
5 stars and a “Get Ready to Be Up All Night” Shout Out!
From a truly talented author, this book does not disappoint! This is Lori’s second published fiction, the first being “Momnesia” that is actually sort of a prequel to this book. However, because of this author’s talent, they are both excellent stand-alone titles, though, I doubt you can actually read one without anxiously awaiting your copy of the other to arrive.
“Unexpecting” is the perfect title for what is a realistic, page turner. Shelley and David, having almost completely raised their 4 children and about to enjoy their empty nester years are suddenly surprised to learn that David has a daughter from a brief fling between his first marriage and his second marriage to Shelley. Introduce Alexandra, baby on the way, and Tiny the dog, that is anything but Tiny. Having just lost her mother, she has nowhere to go. As a teenager just experiencing such a great loss, pregnant, forced to leave her home, friends and school and very pregnant, she has a great deal of emotional baggage. The roller coaster that follows is brilliantly woven into, through and around the trials and tribulations of this family as a whole. You can’t help but laugh and cry along as you are so easily and instantly drawn in and along a journey with the Morsony family. A good read will always make the reader feel a range of emotions and this one certainly does, from surprise to anger to joy to sadness to sympathy and beyond, prepare to be up all night as you won’t be able to put this book down.
I was impressed with the variety in personalities from all of the characters and how well every aspect of this story was developed and conveyed, primarily from Shelley’s view point with some well-placed, well written, head hops to Alexandra and David as well. The dialogue was rich and true to each of the characters, the scenes were so crisp that the imagery formed naturally in my mind as I devoured every word! Even the family pets were intricately woven through the story, so that you could almost see the slobbery grooming that Tiny, the huge lap dog, bestowed on Frick, the old house cat. A perfect blend of reality and fiction gives this book everything it needs to be appealing to a wide range of readers and the ending itself will surprise and amaze you while leaving you feeling at peace from your rollercoaster journey through the pages.
Also, to note, I loved that Lori included a Reader’s Discussion Guide and information about “Momnesia” as well as the first chapter as a preview at the end of the Kindle version that I enjoyed. I received an ARC copy in order to prepare a true and honest review.
~ Debra L Hartmann, professional editor, published author, book reviewer for the fun of it…. http://www.theprobookeditor.com and come have an AHA moment with us at http://authorshelpingauthors.wordpres...
From a truly talented author, this book does not disappoint! This is Lori’s second published fiction, the first being “Momnesia” that is actually sort of a prequel to this book. However, because of this author’s talent, they are both excellent stand-alone titles, though, I doubt you can actually read one without anxiously awaiting your copy of the other to arrive.
“Unexpecting” is the perfect title for what is a realistic, page turner. Shelley and David, having almost completely raised their 4 children and about to enjoy their empty nester years are suddenly surprised to learn that David has a daughter from a brief fling between his first marriage and his second marriage to Shelley. Introduce Alexandra, baby on the way, and Tiny the dog, that is anything but Tiny. Having just lost her mother, she has nowhere to go. As a teenager just experiencing such a great loss, pregnant, forced to leave her home, friends and school and very pregnant, she has a great deal of emotional baggage. The roller coaster that follows is brilliantly woven into, through and around the trials and tribulations of this family as a whole. You can’t help but laugh and cry along as you are so easily and instantly drawn in and along a journey with the Morsony family. A good read will always make the reader feel a range of emotions and this one certainly does, from surprise to anger to joy to sadness to sympathy and beyond, prepare to be up all night as you won’t be able to put this book down.
I was impressed with the variety in personalities from all of the characters and how well every aspect of this story was developed and conveyed, primarily from Shelley’s view point with some well-placed, well written, head hops to Alexandra and David as well. The dialogue was rich and true to each of the characters, the scenes were so crisp that the imagery formed naturally in my mind as I devoured every word! Even the family pets were intricately woven through the story, so that you could almost see the slobbery grooming that Tiny, the huge lap dog, bestowed on Frick, the old house cat. A perfect blend of reality and fiction gives this book everything it needs to be appealing to a wide range of readers and the ending itself will surprise and amaze you while leaving you feeling at peace from your rollercoaster journey through the pages.
Also, to note, I loved that Lori included a Reader’s Discussion Guide and information about “Momnesia” as well as the first chapter as a preview at the end of the Kindle version that I enjoyed. I received an ARC copy in order to prepare a true and honest review.
~ Debra L Hartmann, professional editor, published author, book reviewer for the fun of it…. http://www.theprobookeditor.com and come have an AHA moment with us at http://authorshelpingauthors.wordpres...
March 26, 2013
The blurb says:
"Shelley and David are a couple of almost-empty-nesters preparing to embark on the next stage of their lives. They just ordered white furniture and planned the vacation they’ve waited their entire lives to take when Alexandra, seventeen and pregnant, shows up on their doorstep and announces that she’s the daughter they never knew they had!"
My Review:
I have a love/hate relationship with books that keep me up all night reading. Or was it the caffeine I consumed at my granddaughter’s birthday party? I didn’t even finish the book because I had to be at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center early the next day because I had two appointments scheduled before my volunteer shift! And I overslept and missed the first one. Thanks, Ms. Fogarsi.
Alexandra was not only is pregnant, she gets into drugs—crystal meth—soon after Patrick, the baby is born. And that stuff puts a whole other kind of strain on a family and a marriage. The product of a fling David had between marriages, Alexandra’s mother never told him about her. She told Alexandra that her father was a good man who would want to be involved in her life if he knew about her, but since neither of them had feelings for the other, she didn’t want to burden him. She promised to give Alex info about him when she turned eighteen. But she died of cancer before then, leaving a pregnant Alexandra with nothing more than her clothing and a big, shaggy, slobbery dog named Tiny.
Again, this book was engaging, keeping me up all night reading. It sucked me in on the first page when the doorbell rang, and I devoured the book, which is mainly told from Shelley’s point of view with occasional forages into Alexandra’s and David’s heads. Listening to the teenagers’ dialog in this book, I often thought I was at my daughter’s house. My sixteen year old daughter uses the word “fine-uh” all the time. Ms. Fogarsi has definitely done time in a house full of teens and recently, at that!
And then there were Tiny and Frick. Who couldn’t love a big, slobbery dog who bonds with an elderly cat and tries to groom him? Of course dog slobber isn’t quite as efficient as one cat grooming another, but Frick doesn’t seem to mind. That big ole tongue works pretty well on gunky babies too. One swipe and half of Patrick is “clean.” Tiny always seems to know when he’s needed. Or is it that he’s just always under foot? About as much as a dog the size of a pony who thinks he’s a lap dog can be under anything.
This book will take you through a gamut of emotions. You’ll laugh, cry, and wonder what’s happening next. Definitely have the tissues close by. It’s a must-read.
"Shelley and David are a couple of almost-empty-nesters preparing to embark on the next stage of their lives. They just ordered white furniture and planned the vacation they’ve waited their entire lives to take when Alexandra, seventeen and pregnant, shows up on their doorstep and announces that she’s the daughter they never knew they had!"
My Review:
I have a love/hate relationship with books that keep me up all night reading. Or was it the caffeine I consumed at my granddaughter’s birthday party? I didn’t even finish the book because I had to be at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center early the next day because I had two appointments scheduled before my volunteer shift! And I overslept and missed the first one. Thanks, Ms. Fogarsi.
Alexandra was not only is pregnant, she gets into drugs—crystal meth—soon after Patrick, the baby is born. And that stuff puts a whole other kind of strain on a family and a marriage. The product of a fling David had between marriages, Alexandra’s mother never told him about her. She told Alexandra that her father was a good man who would want to be involved in her life if he knew about her, but since neither of them had feelings for the other, she didn’t want to burden him. She promised to give Alex info about him when she turned eighteen. But she died of cancer before then, leaving a pregnant Alexandra with nothing more than her clothing and a big, shaggy, slobbery dog named Tiny.
Again, this book was engaging, keeping me up all night reading. It sucked me in on the first page when the doorbell rang, and I devoured the book, which is mainly told from Shelley’s point of view with occasional forages into Alexandra’s and David’s heads. Listening to the teenagers’ dialog in this book, I often thought I was at my daughter’s house. My sixteen year old daughter uses the word “fine-uh” all the time. Ms. Fogarsi has definitely done time in a house full of teens and recently, at that!
And then there were Tiny and Frick. Who couldn’t love a big, slobbery dog who bonds with an elderly cat and tries to groom him? Of course dog slobber isn’t quite as efficient as one cat grooming another, but Frick doesn’t seem to mind. That big ole tongue works pretty well on gunky babies too. One swipe and half of Patrick is “clean.” Tiny always seems to know when he’s needed. Or is it that he’s just always under foot? About as much as a dog the size of a pony who thinks he’s a lap dog can be under anything.
This book will take you through a gamut of emotions. You’ll laugh, cry, and wonder what’s happening next. Definitely have the tissues close by. It’s a must-read.
April 21, 2013
Shelley and David are on the verge of having an empty house. With kids currently in college and in high school preparing for college the following year, the couple has plans to enjoy life together and mostly childfree. With their dream vacation in the works, everything is going as planned. Well, until Alexandra shows up at their door. She is seventeen-years-old, very pregnant, and David’s daughter. A daughter that he was completely unaware existed. Alexandra and her baby will forever change their comfortable and routine life.
Alexandra’s mom passed away, and she has no other family to turn to except David. A man she only found out about after her mother’s death. Shelley and David handle this situation with tact and grace. They take in the pregnant teen and attempt to make her as comfortable as possible. Soon, baby Patrick arrives and everyone experiences an upheaval.
Lori Verni-Fogarsi has written a captivating story about family. I appreciate how complex these characters are and how deep she went with the plot. Unexpecting dives into a world of substance abuse, rehabilitation, and unconditional love. I appreciate Lori’s portrayal of a family who has been thrown a curve ball. I enjoyed the realistic behaviors from all the family members. It was wonderful to see Shelley and David evolve, especially after multiple rough patches they had to endure. This is family drama. Unexpecting made my laugh, cringe, and pulled at my heartstrings.
Alexandra’s mom passed away, and she has no other family to turn to except David. A man she only found out about after her mother’s death. Shelley and David handle this situation with tact and grace. They take in the pregnant teen and attempt to make her as comfortable as possible. Soon, baby Patrick arrives and everyone experiences an upheaval.
Lori Verni-Fogarsi has written a captivating story about family. I appreciate how complex these characters are and how deep she went with the plot. Unexpecting dives into a world of substance abuse, rehabilitation, and unconditional love. I appreciate Lori’s portrayal of a family who has been thrown a curve ball. I enjoyed the realistic behaviors from all the family members. It was wonderful to see Shelley and David evolve, especially after multiple rough patches they had to endure. This is family drama. Unexpecting made my laugh, cringe, and pulled at my heartstrings.
April 25, 2013
Shelley and David have raised their kids. They aren't really expecting to raise more, but all that changes when Alexandra, David's long-lost daughter shows up. No one knew she even existed, so they were beyond surprised when she showed up, and even more surprised when they realized she was with child.
Needless to say, things aren't easy on all of them. Especially, Shelley. She's the one who is stuck uprooting her life because of Alexandra's mistakes.
Now, I say that because I absolutely did not feel sorry for Alexandra. Grant it, I probably should have, but she was a spoiled brat in my eyes. Sure, she was dealing with A LOT, but it didn't give her the right to act like she does in the book.
But, I have to admit to not connecting with the characters in this book. Sure, I liked them. I felt for them, but honest, I couldn't really connect.
Lori did a great job at writing the book. It was well thought out, and I'm sure it's the right match for people with step-kids and kids. But for me, it wasn't exactly a perfect match.
Even though it wasn't a perfect match, I still want to give this a 3.5/5 star rating. If I could've connected at a deeper level with the characters, I would've felt better about the book.
**I received an ARC for a fair and honest review**
Needless to say, things aren't easy on all of them. Especially, Shelley. She's the one who is stuck uprooting her life because of Alexandra's mistakes.
Now, I say that because I absolutely did not feel sorry for Alexandra. Grant it, I probably should have, but she was a spoiled brat in my eyes. Sure, she was dealing with A LOT, but it didn't give her the right to act like she does in the book.
But, I have to admit to not connecting with the characters in this book. Sure, I liked them. I felt for them, but honest, I couldn't really connect.
Lori did a great job at writing the book. It was well thought out, and I'm sure it's the right match for people with step-kids and kids. But for me, it wasn't exactly a perfect match.
Even though it wasn't a perfect match, I still want to give this a 3.5/5 star rating. If I could've connected at a deeper level with the characters, I would've felt better about the book.
**I received an ARC for a fair and honest review**
April 24, 2013
I really liked this book. It reminded me of my mom. She always tries to do everything for everybody. We never had a white couch growing up! lol. We could spill and make a mess as much as we wanted to! I was the last kid to get married and move out. My parents had a sitting room! I did sleep over a few times, a bat situation, and there was always room! I get what Shelley was trying to do. Their house was free of kid stuff. The kids that lived at home still were in high school, and would rather be driven everywhere rather than making a mess. Being married I can not imagine how I would feel if I was Shelley. David. Some of the book he was a real son of a b*. I wanted to slap him. I can kind of see him being upset, but Alex was his blood, if anything Shelley should have been acting the way he was.
The kids were funny, and it reminded me of when I was younger and argued with my siblings. I giggled a few times! the plot was really good and it was such a good view on marriage, and family. I liked the end but wish that maybe the author went a year ahead and showed us how the family was doing. The kids really didn't have exciting endings. Then again I guess that is the point. They were a normal family with somewhat normal problems. I am giving this book a 5/5 and am going to be watching this author! I hope there is a sequel. Maybe Tiny can have puppies.
The kids were funny, and it reminded me of when I was younger and argued with my siblings. I giggled a few times! the plot was really good and it was such a good view on marriage, and family. I liked the end but wish that maybe the author went a year ahead and showed us how the family was doing. The kids really didn't have exciting endings. Then again I guess that is the point. They were a normal family with somewhat normal problems. I am giving this book a 5/5 and am going to be watching this author! I hope there is a sequel. Maybe Tiny can have puppies.
August 11, 2016
Although I don't have children, I could really put myself in Shelley's position. Lori's writing technique really conjures up that wistful, tranquil life that Shelley and David are anticipating now that their children are grown up.
I thoroughly enjoyed the pace of this book, this sense of calm not lasting more than a few pages when bam! Hurricane Alexandra turns up with her whirlwind of a life; a vehicle beholding her worldly possessions, a dog and a swollen belly.
I really empathised with Shelley and felt her anger and frustration at the situation. I thought she was a strong character to tolerate Alexandra the way she did, as I felt myself seething at times. Again, I am not a mother so I may behave differently given the circumstances.
The development of all character's throughout the book is heart warming and the descriptions of the delightful baby Patrick are adorable. It is his innocent character that really tugs at the old heart strings.
A lovely read - recommend adding it to your 'beach read' for a lovely little page turner on the sun lounger.
** I received an ARC for a fair and honest review**
I thoroughly enjoyed the pace of this book, this sense of calm not lasting more than a few pages when bam! Hurricane Alexandra turns up with her whirlwind of a life; a vehicle beholding her worldly possessions, a dog and a swollen belly.
I really empathised with Shelley and felt her anger and frustration at the situation. I thought she was a strong character to tolerate Alexandra the way she did, as I felt myself seething at times. Again, I am not a mother so I may behave differently given the circumstances.
The development of all character's throughout the book is heart warming and the descriptions of the delightful baby Patrick are adorable. It is his innocent character that really tugs at the old heart strings.
A lovely read - recommend adding it to your 'beach read' for a lovely little page turner on the sun lounger.
** I received an ARC for a fair and honest review**
April 20, 2013
This book is incredibly vivid…I still feel a little bit like I was reading about real people and not fictional characters. The characters were so real as I was reading that I found myself flooded with helpless anger at one character, and heartbreak for another.
In the story, Shelley and her husband David are almost done raising their family. The last few children are finishing up high school and going off to college. Life is good. Settled.
Then one day, the doorbell rings. When Shelley opens it, she meets Alexandra, a pregnant, 17-year-old daughter that no one knew they had. Instead of planning vacations and empty nesting, David and Shelley are catapulted into life as grandparents. Trying to connect with Alexandra and blend her into their family meets with…problems. When Alexandra’a behavior starts to get erratic, there are hard choices facing the couple.
Lori Verni-Forgarsi has written a book that is vivid, gritty, and almost graphic. I say that because there are intimate scenes that not everyone would enjoy. Overall though, it's a wonderful story and you won't be able to put this book down.
In the story, Shelley and her husband David are almost done raising their family. The last few children are finishing up high school and going off to college. Life is good. Settled.
Then one day, the doorbell rings. When Shelley opens it, she meets Alexandra, a pregnant, 17-year-old daughter that no one knew they had. Instead of planning vacations and empty nesting, David and Shelley are catapulted into life as grandparents. Trying to connect with Alexandra and blend her into their family meets with…problems. When Alexandra’a behavior starts to get erratic, there are hard choices facing the couple.
Lori Verni-Forgarsi has written a book that is vivid, gritty, and almost graphic. I say that because there are intimate scenes that not everyone would enjoy. Overall though, it's a wonderful story and you won't be able to put this book down.
September 16, 2013
Lori Verni Fogarsi never disappoints. She lights up the pages of her second book, Unexpecting, with true-to-life characters and a story line that could make any mother of grown children cringe a little. Unexpecting is Lori’s second published novel. Her first is Momnesia, another page-turner perfect for moms of all ages.
In Unexpecting, Shelley and her husband David are nearly finished raising their family. The last few kids in their bunch are finishing up high school and heading off to college. Life is getting easier by the day and the house a little emptier. Until the day Alexandra shows up at their door, a pregnant 17-year-old daughter that no one knew they had. Alexandra’s mother just passed away and she is expecting a baby any day! Before they know it, Shelley and David become grandparents, and have to deal with an ungrateful teen whose character keeps you on your toes throughout the book.
This book is an entertaining read for moms!
In Unexpecting, Shelley and her husband David are nearly finished raising their family. The last few kids in their bunch are finishing up high school and heading off to college. Life is getting easier by the day and the house a little emptier. Until the day Alexandra shows up at their door, a pregnant 17-year-old daughter that no one knew they had. Alexandra’s mother just passed away and she is expecting a baby any day! Before they know it, Shelley and David become grandparents, and have to deal with an ungrateful teen whose character keeps you on your toes throughout the book.
This book is an entertaining read for moms!
April 16, 2013
I had the awesome opportunity to read the book Unexpecting a novel written by Lori Verni-Fogarsi. I couldn't put this book down. I enjoy reading and like to do so whenever I can, but being a working mother of two it is difficult to find the time to dive into a book. This book pulled me right in to the lives of the characters. What really impressed me about this book is all the twists and turns that happened, right when I thought I figured out what was going to happen, something completely different happend. This book kept me jumping and wanting to read more of their story. To read my entire review of this novel please visit www.aluckyladybug.com
April 18, 2013
"The Unexpecting" by author Lori Verni -Fogarsi is a story that is very real and I really enjoyed reading it. I thought the character of Shelly was very real and the way she tells the story from mostly her point of view was very well done. I had a cousin that endured something similar to what Shelly is going through and trust me it was not easy to find out that your spouse had another child who appeared from out of the blue and for them it almost cost them their marriage. This is why I was so moved by this story and all of the characters especially Shelly as she deals with the arrival of Alexandria. Amazing!
Syl Stein
May 13, 2013
Lori Verni-Fogarsi is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Unexpecting!
Wow, what a read. I adore books where I have pretty much zero in common with the main character but can wind up being best friends with her. I have also read Momnesia, which introduces us to Shelly, and I highly recommend both these novels. I actually ended up enjoying Unexpecting even more, not always a common occurrence with sequels, but this was just so hard to put down. I got emotional a few times throughout, I was surprised at times, shocked, dismayed, happy, confused...whew! But I loved every minute of it, and this is definitely worthy of a 5 star review!
Wow, what a read. I adore books where I have pretty much zero in common with the main character but can wind up being best friends with her. I have also read Momnesia, which introduces us to Shelly, and I highly recommend both these novels. I actually ended up enjoying Unexpecting even more, not always a common occurrence with sequels, but this was just so hard to put down. I got emotional a few times throughout, I was surprised at times, shocked, dismayed, happy, confused...whew! But I loved every minute of it, and this is definitely worthy of a 5 star review!
July 19, 2016
I loved this book and thoroughly understand the title now! Unexpecting is well written and edited. Every character has so much depth! Why should you read it?
-a great story about what happens when your life is turned completely upside down
-a great cast of characters
-a fascinating family
I received an ARC book at no cost to read, enjoy, and review.
-a great story about what happens when your life is turned completely upside down
-a great cast of characters
-a fascinating family
I received an ARC book at no cost to read, enjoy, and review.
June 3, 2015
Lori Verni-Fogarsi’s Unexpecting offers a pleasing blend of serious issues and gentle humor, with well-timed introspection. The characters all feel very real, as Shelley and David’s perfect world starts falling apart. Perfectly well-intentioned and well-behaved children, perfectly successful, perfectly promising all the best for the future, they’re surely the perfect example of a blended family. But the unexpected offers a blend too far, and too much for the heart to hold.
Shelley meets her family’s invader with heartfelt sympathy. She even feels a gentle empathy for a pregnant teen’s plight. “It reminded her of years earlier, when she’d gotten divorced from her first husband and all of her neighborhood friends treated her like a pariah.” So now Shelley ploughs a path through life, determined to help everyone, however undeserving. But being a grandma isn’t at all what she expected, and soon her friends are treating Shelley as the local pariah too.
Nicely placed chapters offer different points of view – a life falling apart, sullen anger growing, love sinking beneath a haze of regrets. The result is a story that might sometimes be overly wordy, but is always achingly real. And the wisdom it offers is genuine, gently taught, and convincingly told.
Disclosure: I won a free ecopy and I offer my honest review.
Shelley meets her family’s invader with heartfelt sympathy. She even feels a gentle empathy for a pregnant teen’s plight. “It reminded her of years earlier, when she’d gotten divorced from her first husband and all of her neighborhood friends treated her like a pariah.” So now Shelley ploughs a path through life, determined to help everyone, however undeserving. But being a grandma isn’t at all what she expected, and soon her friends are treating Shelley as the local pariah too.
Nicely placed chapters offer different points of view – a life falling apart, sullen anger growing, love sinking beneath a haze of regrets. The result is a story that might sometimes be overly wordy, but is always achingly real. And the wisdom it offers is genuine, gently taught, and convincingly told.
Disclosure: I won a free ecopy and I offer my honest review.
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