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Unexpected
Eleven years ago, Ross McConnell was devastated by the betrayal of the woman of his dreams. Time does not heal all wounds, and after more than a decade, Ross is no closer to finding love. When his well-meaning family attempts to play matchmaker, he concedes by creating a list detailing his perfect mate: A member of the Church. Beauty-queen looks. College educated. Never married. Perhaps he’ll give love another try, if such perfection exists . . .
Natalie Forrester is no stranger to heartache. After two failed marriages, the beautiful single mother of three is determined to make it on her own. Without a college degree, she starts at the bottom: working as a housekeeper may not be glamorous, but it’s her first exhilarating step toward independence. And Natalie’s most recent cleaning job is ideal—the guy is always out of town, and the pay will go a long way toward supporting her missionary son. Maybe luck is finally on her side.
And then Ross and Natalie meet . . . and meet again. And following a series of awkward encounters, Ross is shocked by his growing attraction for this woman. Natalie couldn’t be farther from his ideal woman, and she is firm in her determination to keep her heart closed to love. But as their tenuous friendship develops and deepens, will the unlikely pair have the courage to set aside the disappointments of the past to catch hold of a bright new future?
Natalie Forrester is no stranger to heartache. After two failed marriages, the beautiful single mother of three is determined to make it on her own. Without a college degree, she starts at the bottom: working as a housekeeper may not be glamorous, but it’s her first exhilarating step toward independence. And Natalie’s most recent cleaning job is ideal—the guy is always out of town, and the pay will go a long way toward supporting her missionary son. Maybe luck is finally on her side.
And then Ross and Natalie meet . . . and meet again. And following a series of awkward encounters, Ross is shocked by his growing attraction for this woman. Natalie couldn’t be farther from his ideal woman, and she is firm in her determination to keep her heart closed to love. But as their tenuous friendship develops and deepens, will the unlikely pair have the courage to set aside the disappointments of the past to catch hold of a bright new future?
304 pages, Unknown Binding
First published September 1, 2013
25 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Karen Tuft
13 books334 followersKaren Tuft was born with a healthy dose of curiosity about pretty much everything, so as a child she taught herself to read and play the piano. She studied composition at BYU and graduated from the University of Utah in music theory, where she was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Kappa Lambda honor societies.
In addition to being an author, Karen is a wife, mother, pianist, composer, and arranger. She has spent countless hours backstage and in orchestra pits for theater productions along the Wasatch Front. Among her varied interests, she likes to figure out what makes people tick, wander through museums, and travel whether it's by car, plane, or paperback.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
April 14, 2018
3.5 stars
I have to admit, I read a ton of Christian contemporary fiction, but it's been a while since I got my hands on some contemporary books written with a nod to my own Church. Obviously it's not as available nationally, and it's a little harder to find - but I recently decided to sign up for Deseret Bookshelf Plus, and see what I could discover.
I've read Karen's historical fiction, and loved it. Finding something a little different was fun. I will say although I enjoyed this book, I'm removing a star because of the way it dragged in parts. The initial connection between the characters was so small and insignificant it didn't count as anything of real substance. Waiting until you are 30% in for the characters to finally get their first taster of proper interaction was way too far. It was tedious, and I'm impatient ;) There were many chunks of text I found myself skim reading. It was irrelevant to the story.
The plot was great, and clever. Unique in the fact that we are now dealing with main characters in their late 30s. For Natalie, Abandonment, Grief, Teenage children issues. Emotional baggage due to two previous bad relationships/marriage. Verbal abuse. Lack of proper care in the form of Child Support. For Ross, the heartbreak that ended all desire to seek out a real relationship, with an unwillingness to risk. Cynicism. Grief. The demands of a high powered career in law.
The occasional Church references were appreciated. Sometimes LDS fiction comes across a little cheesy. This story tackled some serious issues and presented everything clearly and with grace. A kind of classy Cinderella story.
I have to admit, I read a ton of Christian contemporary fiction, but it's been a while since I got my hands on some contemporary books written with a nod to my own Church. Obviously it's not as available nationally, and it's a little harder to find - but I recently decided to sign up for Deseret Bookshelf Plus, and see what I could discover.
I've read Karen's historical fiction, and loved it. Finding something a little different was fun. I will say although I enjoyed this book, I'm removing a star because of the way it dragged in parts. The initial connection between the characters was so small and insignificant it didn't count as anything of real substance. Waiting until you are 30% in for the characters to finally get their first taster of proper interaction was way too far. It was tedious, and I'm impatient ;) There were many chunks of text I found myself skim reading. It was irrelevant to the story.
The plot was great, and clever. Unique in the fact that we are now dealing with main characters in their late 30s. For Natalie, Abandonment, Grief, Teenage children issues. Emotional baggage due to two previous bad relationships/marriage. Verbal abuse. Lack of proper care in the form of Child Support. For Ross, the heartbreak that ended all desire to seek out a real relationship, with an unwillingness to risk. Cynicism. Grief. The demands of a high powered career in law.
The occasional Church references were appreciated. Sometimes LDS fiction comes across a little cheesy. This story tackled some serious issues and presented everything clearly and with grace. A kind of classy Cinderella story.
June 2, 2016
Time to hop on the Karen Tuft band wagon! I absolutely loved this book! Okay the beginning... Broke my heart! Nice work, I was endeared to Ross from the beginning! Although I wanted to smack him a few times... Totally believable! Then sweet Natalie and her tap shoes... I was busting up and telling my hubby about it... Which I rarely do! It just took off from there! I was dying! I loved both characters and hated the ex's! Great story! I will recommend and snatch her other books right away!
June 2, 2022
This is a good, solid, intelligent romance novel. Characters and plot are developed with depth and detail which makes them human and believable. Religion plays a foundational role in the story and who the characters are without being overbearing and preachy. There are some hard life issues and consequences explored in this story which makes it real. It's clear that the author thinks about what makes people tick and isn't just telling a feel good story.
January 17, 2017
This book was o.k. It was a quick clean read with good principles, which I liked. But it also had some spots that dragged and the extremely weak will of the main character bothered me.
August 3, 2021
Definitely different than anything I've read before - it was lent to me by a friend. It was an LDS perspective, not geared toward general Christian readers. I felt like the book could have been shorter. It would re-hash the issues that the main characters had, but without necessarily shedding new light on their emotions or experiences. But it's a book that could give hope to divorced with children people hoping to get re-married to a wealthy, handsome, man. Or give hope to an older single man looking for his soul mate?
April 1, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand it sucked me in and I stayed up way too late finishing it one night but on the other hand, I got a little weary of the tortured souls. These were two very broken people and much of the narrative is their lamentations. Ross was way too full of himself and in a couple of instances way too mean. I actually liked Natalie’s character, in spite of her emotional hang ups. I did cry over a couple of parts so clearly I was engaged with the story.
November 4, 2016
It's no secret that I am not a Mormon romance fan. At all. This book had been on my shelf for at least a couple years and I finally gave it a shot. I read it slowly, but I was always excited to come back to it. I loved how the story developed and got all the fun butterflies at the end. I will definitely seek out more books by Karen Tuft as Unexpected was perfectly distracting, but gave me a few things to ponder. Like faith in the midst of hardship. No preachiness though. I can't believe it sat on my shelf for so long!
Want to read
July 3, 2013Instead of filing this under my "pretty cover" shelf, I'm tempted to create a new shelf called "yummy covers"
November 20, 2013
The story had potential but fell short. At the end I was supposed to believe everything fell into place. There was no depth. Too much dwelling on the past, I get it already!
September 19, 2013
LOVED IT!! It was a modern day Cinderalla tale and another success by Karen Tuft!
July 30, 2016
Much to my surprise I enjoyed this book. I laughed. I cried. I had a difficult time putting it down.
August 5, 2022
3.5 stars
I did enjoy the book, mostly. Some subjects are just harder for me to read about than others. This one was full of them. The writing of the book was probably 4 stars or more, but the enjoyment level for me was less because of where I am in life.
I suppose that I write my reviews more to the authors than I do to other readers sometimes. I like the author to know how it has impacted me. But, of course, other readers can read it also. I also rate books higher stars if it is a book I would reread. That being said, perhaps this book was one that was uncomfortable for me because it had things for me to learn. One of them being that life is messy and uncomfortable AND it can still be good.
The plot was good. Just real-life struggles and challenges and narcissistic ex husbands in the story aren’t exactly a feel-good easy read for me.
Karen did a good job of portraying her characters in the light she wanted them to come across as. Natalie is a great character. I love how she was someone who didn’t give up. She has tenacity and isn’t an empty character. Natalie is someone to look up to, even though she doesn’t fit the mold of the typical heroine. She’s been through a lot and life hasn’t beaten her down or made her cynical or made her give up. She still has her love of life and traditions and she lives life fully with excitement and love for others. She lives a small life in a big way…a small income and she makes the most of it by dreaming big and continuing to reach for her dreams and progressing in school and in life.
Ross- to me he seemed a little more flat. Perhaps that’s because he immersed himself in his job for so long and didn’t fully live his life until he met Natalie…which is the point, really. Some of what I didn’t like about how he was written was that he came across as egocentric at times and it was a little overdone…he came across like he thought he was God’s gift to women (but also not, at the same time) because he kept thinking about all the women throwing themselves at him with cookies and casseroles and such…like ALL women found him irresistible. He arrogantly thought that Natalie should be attracted to him as well. But, he also came across as humble in the way he just was an average person and just wanted to help Natalie.
The supporting characters were also believable. Her daughters and their feelings. Ross’s nephew Brett. Ross’s sisters and mom. They were all believable to me. And I enjoyed his family…though, Susan was not someone I would gravitate to.
What was a bit unbelievable for me was that Ross would just give up so easily and the Neil had to talk some sense into him. Perhaps it’s because as a reader, I can see both sides and I have all the info. But, he didn’t call her and fight for her. He didn’t come across as fragile enough to warrant that action/inaction. But, maybe he was because of Liz…that wasn’t explored/explained enough in my mind.
Overall, it was a good story and kept me reading. I liked the parts where Ross kept coming in to find Natalie doing something either embarrassing or full of life that eventually became endearing to him.
Who knows, after I give the book some more time to sit with me…it might become a book I’d like to read again. Wade was a hard one for me…and, truly… how many people would just take it like Natalie did? I don’t know…maybe I’m just to feisty for it to be realistic for me. But, not everyone is the same nor do we all handle things the same.
Thanks, Karen Tuft, for a thought provoking book.
I did enjoy the book, mostly. Some subjects are just harder for me to read about than others. This one was full of them. The writing of the book was probably 4 stars or more, but the enjoyment level for me was less because of where I am in life.
I suppose that I write my reviews more to the authors than I do to other readers sometimes. I like the author to know how it has impacted me. But, of course, other readers can read it also. I also rate books higher stars if it is a book I would reread. That being said, perhaps this book was one that was uncomfortable for me because it had things for me to learn. One of them being that life is messy and uncomfortable AND it can still be good.
The plot was good. Just real-life struggles and challenges and narcissistic ex husbands in the story aren’t exactly a feel-good easy read for me.
Karen did a good job of portraying her characters in the light she wanted them to come across as. Natalie is a great character. I love how she was someone who didn’t give up. She has tenacity and isn’t an empty character. Natalie is someone to look up to, even though she doesn’t fit the mold of the typical heroine. She’s been through a lot and life hasn’t beaten her down or made her cynical or made her give up. She still has her love of life and traditions and she lives life fully with excitement and love for others. She lives a small life in a big way…a small income and she makes the most of it by dreaming big and continuing to reach for her dreams and progressing in school and in life.
Ross- to me he seemed a little more flat. Perhaps that’s because he immersed himself in his job for so long and didn’t fully live his life until he met Natalie…which is the point, really. Some of what I didn’t like about how he was written was that he came across as egocentric at times and it was a little overdone…he came across like he thought he was God’s gift to women (but also not, at the same time) because he kept thinking about all the women throwing themselves at him with cookies and casseroles and such…like ALL women found him irresistible. He arrogantly thought that Natalie should be attracted to him as well. But, he also came across as humble in the way he just was an average person and just wanted to help Natalie.
The supporting characters were also believable. Her daughters and their feelings. Ross’s nephew Brett. Ross’s sisters and mom. They were all believable to me. And I enjoyed his family…though, Susan was not someone I would gravitate to.
What was a bit unbelievable for me was that Ross would just give up so easily and the Neil had to talk some sense into him. Perhaps it’s because as a reader, I can see both sides and I have all the info. But, he didn’t call her and fight for her. He didn’t come across as fragile enough to warrant that action/inaction. But, maybe he was because of Liz…that wasn’t explored/explained enough in my mind.
Overall, it was a good story and kept me reading. I liked the parts where Ross kept coming in to find Natalie doing something either embarrassing or full of life that eventually became endearing to him.
Who knows, after I give the book some more time to sit with me…it might become a book I’d like to read again. Wade was a hard one for me…and, truly… how many people would just take it like Natalie did? I don’t know…maybe I’m just to feisty for it to be realistic for me. But, not everyone is the same nor do we all handle things the same.
Thanks, Karen Tuft, for a thought provoking book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2018
It was refreshing to read an LDS fiction that wasn't cheesy or preachy. There is some mention of faith and gospel standards.
I did find that it did drag at times and ended up skimming through a few sections here and there, the beginning was a bit slow.
I was greatly disappointed that the author gave just a brief note at the end to the resolution of a big build-up of contention that had been brewing between the main female and someone else throughout the book. She just breezed over it, it was pretty anticlimactic.
The main female character doesn't really stand up for herself ever, just stares at the floor whenever there's a confrontation. Someone described her personality as that of a wet noodle and I think I'd have to agree. I understand that this is how the author wanted her personality to be, but it was frustrating nonetheless.
While there a few things that bothered me about this book it was still a pretty good story and I think I'll try her other books.
I did find that it did drag at times and ended up skimming through a few sections here and there, the beginning was a bit slow.
I was greatly disappointed that the author gave just a brief note at the end to the resolution of a big build-up of contention that had been brewing between the main female and someone else throughout the book. She just breezed over it, it was pretty anticlimactic.
The main female character doesn't really stand up for herself ever, just stares at the floor whenever there's a confrontation. Someone described her personality as that of a wet noodle and I think I'd have to agree. I understand that this is how the author wanted her personality to be, but it was frustrating nonetheless.
While there a few things that bothered me about this book it was still a pretty good story and I think I'll try her other books.
January 13, 2019
This was a really cute story of loss and love, the characters were real and I really enjoyed the humor of Natalies personality, she is so different to Ross, he is so straight laced and she is so free. I loved the pace of the book and it was a funny, cute clean read.
Ross McConnell was devastated by the betrayal of the woman of his dreams. He loses hope of ever finding true love. Hi family tires to play match maker, but he really is not interested. Natalie Forrester is not looking for love at all, she has two failed marriages and is mother to 3 beautiful children, she is determined she doesn’t need a man in her life, she works as a housekeeper and loves being independent. When she lands a job where the guy is always out of town, she believes luck is finally on her side.
Ross McConnell was devastated by the betrayal of the woman of his dreams. He loses hope of ever finding true love. Hi family tires to play match maker, but he really is not interested. Natalie Forrester is not looking for love at all, she has two failed marriages and is mother to 3 beautiful children, she is determined she doesn’t need a man in her life, she works as a housekeeper and loves being independent. When she lands a job where the guy is always out of town, she believes luck is finally on her side.
October 29, 2019
This was a cute non-traditional love story. I liked the characters, though I couldn't relate with Natalie very much, though I liked her, I just can't relate to being insecure and weak (though with what she has been through it is understandable, I thankfully haven't been through that). The ex was a great bad guy. It shows how damaging verbal abuse can be, even though he never physically hurt her he did substantial damage. I felt it was very well written, it added drama without being over the top and made it believable instead of unrealistic like some I've read. Anyway, it was a perfect book to have available when I have time to read but usually wasn't hard to put down when I didn't have time.
January 6, 2019
EXCELLENT!!! Bravo!
This is my first read, by Karen Tuft and it will most definitely NOT be my last!
I really enjoy a clean romantic book, but this is next level. The plot itself was a twist on a Cinderella story, but the true to real life dealings of a couple of heartbroken people, was what made this story excellent, in my opinion.
Her descriptions of how her characters interact on a romantic level really got me tingling! I almost fell in love with Ross myself!
If you like a good, clean romantic story, with not so typical, but realistic drama, you’ll love this book!
This is my first read, by Karen Tuft and it will most definitely NOT be my last!
I really enjoy a clean romantic book, but this is next level. The plot itself was a twist on a Cinderella story, but the true to real life dealings of a couple of heartbroken people, was what made this story excellent, in my opinion.
Her descriptions of how her characters interact on a romantic level really got me tingling! I almost fell in love with Ross myself!
If you like a good, clean romantic story, with not so typical, but realistic drama, you’ll love this book!
July 5, 2019
The main characters in this book are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There are a few references to prayer, missions, and celibacy before marriage. The writing seemed very clunky to me. It was a lot of tell and not a lot of show. I thought there was such potential but things fell short when some of the conflicts (child support, visitation, sexual harassment) were just glossed over in the end. It felt like Ross rushed things way too much, I would have liked Natalie to have been more assertive with Ross too. Kisses only (mentions of drug use and teen pregnancy)
August 12, 2020
I absolutely devoured this book, I couldn't put it down! But then I finished the book and I felt like the last chapter was missing!!! Where is the justice? Where is that moment where Natalie gets to take a stand against Wade with Ross by her side? And comes out victorious? I understand that she is forgiving and the epitome of kindness... But she is also a devoted mother... I wanted momma bear to come out and put Wade in his place, and show her girls the importance of standing up for what is right! Wade ignorored the courts rulings and with a lawyer at her side it should have been enforced.
March 20, 2018
There is something about Ms. Tuft's writing that gets me in the gut. She creates characters, crafts stories, conjures emotions that just resonate with me. Her characters are flawed but lovable, and I don't think I've gotten through one of her books without crying. It's not like the situations she creates are devastating, but they get to me in a way that brings out my emotions. This book was no exception.
September 25, 2018
So many parts I just loved in this book - like when Natalie is on her blind date and takes control of the situation, when Ross got peace in the temple, when they have midnight sledding & cookie dough fights & tap dancing. It did drag at times - felt myself skimming through the hashing out thoughts and reflections.
July 19, 2017
I've recently read three of Karen Tufts books. I felt like this one was written the best. It had good detail, the story line had good pacing and kept my interest. It would have gotten a four from me, but the topic wasn't my favorite. Fun book though, I would recommend it to others.
May 28, 2019
3.5 I don't always go for contemporary romance, first. But I really liked this story. The path to this romance wasn't a straight shot. She is a twice divorcee with abusive, cheating exes. He is an attorney that has spent all of his time building his career and locking up his heart.
January 1, 2020
Man burned by love as a young student. Woman suffered a couple bad marriages and barely afloat supporting her daughters. Neither is looking for love, but the chemistry is undeniable. Quick, fun, clean love story with LDS undertones.
February 14, 2020
I'm just not a fan of contemporary Christian/ Mormon fiction, I guess. I cringed whenever church references were brought up. I have enjoyed the author's Regency romances, but didn't care for this. I skimmed most of it, actually. Too wordy.
February 19, 2021
I enjoyed this Christian contemporary fiction... it’s nice to read a story where the characters are mormon but the story doesn’t focus on religion. I got frustrated with the characters sometimes but of course it has a happy ending 😉
July 17, 2021
I loved the chemistry between the main characters in this novel. The reader really gets to know them both in depth during this story. I couldn't wait for them to really 'see' each other. This is definitely a new favorite of mine.
November 12, 2022
I read this book for the 52 books in 52 weeks reading challenge. I used November 2022 mini challenge prompt Lets party. Its a guilty pleasure hallmark style book. Despite the title, you can definately expect how it ends. still its an easy read and fun espically for this time of year.
November 15, 2016
Standard Mormon fare literature-- not great, but not bad. It was a quick and light read...something I need on occasion!
December 20, 2017
This was an adorable read with a creative plot, lovely characters, and a set of trials and tribulations that had you rooting for the main characters the whole way through. I loved this one.
July 14, 2017
2nd ward book group. Fun, fast read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews