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Cass & Nick #2

The Baby in the Window

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A magna cum laude graduate of UCLA, Cassandra Harte never took a test she couldn’t ace. So when her home pregnancy test comes back negative, she’s certain the kit’s defective. Failure has never been an option for Cassandra. She has a well-established career, a handsome husband (Nick), and a lovely home. But there’s one thing Cassandra desperately wants that she doesn’t have: A baby. After trying for months to get pregnant without success, she starts to wonder if she’s finally met a challenge she cannot conquer. Determined to conceive, she creates an ovulation calendar so she can seize that perfect 24-hour window. When that fails, she sends up fervent prayers. But it soon becomes apparent that her inability to become pregnant has nothing to do with timing or faith, and everything to do with Renee, her diabolical, thirteen-year-old stepdaughter.

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 22, 2013

58 people are currently reading
172 people want to read

About the author

Alretha Thomas

18 books223 followers
Shortly after graduating from USC with a degree in journalism, Alretha soon realized her interest in her major was not heartfelt. Instead of writing news stories, she wanted to write plays and books. Several years later, her church gave her an outlet to fulfill her writing desires through their Liturgical Fine Arts Department wherein Alretha penned twelve theatre pieces—the community response was overwhelming. This led to plays outside of the church, including Alretha’s One Woman, Two Lives, starring Kellita Smith (The Bernie Mac Show), directed by four-time NAACP Image Award Best Director recipient, Denise Dowse. The production garnered rave reviews from critics and audiences.

In between plays, Alretha self-published her first novel, Daughter Denied, in 2008 and has received glowing reviews from readers and book clubs across the country. Representing her book and plays, Alretha has been the guest on many radio shows and television shows including San Francisco Public Affairs show Bay Sunday with Barbara Rodgers on CBS affiliate, KPIX. She was also interviewed by KTLA News Entertainment Reporter, Sam Rubin. In 2011, Alretha self-published her second novel, Dancing Her Dreams Away, and it was also well received. Her third novel, Married in the Nick of Nine, spawned a four-book series that was acquired by Soul Mate Publishing in January 2014. The series has since reverted back to her. In August 2014, Alretha was awarded the Jessie Redmon Fauset Literary Award for her indie novel, Four Ladies Only. In 2016, Alretha created the Detective Rachel Storme Mystery Series: Justice for Jessica, Losing Lauren and A Penny for Her Heart. In 2018 and 2019 Alretha debuted two additional mystery books—
The Women on Retford Drive and The Truth About Gretchen, respectively. Her most recent novel is The Girl in the Blue Blazer.

Alretha is also an actress and can be seen in numerous commercials and television shows. She currently plays Anastasia Devereaux on Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living that airs on BET.

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5 stars
90 (45%)
4 stars
55 (27%)
3 stars
30 (15%)
2 stars
14 (7%)
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9 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for April Wood.
Author 4 books64 followers
September 23, 2015
What’s It About?

Cassandra and Nick Harte are married, and raising his two step-kids, when they decide they would like to have a baby of their own. Cassandra’s wish for a child consumes her every thought, and when she finds out her former neighbors are expecting, she can’t help but to feel envious. Why them? Why not her?!

Stress at home isn’t helping… Their thirteen year old, Renee, is showing signs of an emotional disturbance, and Nick is pulling away from Cass, focusing his attention on Renee.

“My life’s totally out of control – and all because of one demon seed teenager.”

Meanwhile, someone from the past is making their way back into the lives of the Harte family, posing a serious threat to the well-being of their imperfect family.

Will Cassandra ever fulfill her dreams of having a baby? Or will her step-daughter, Renee, get in the way?

My Thoughts

Initially, I really enjoyed this story, and probably would have finished it within one afternoon if I didn’t have other commitments. The plot of The Baby In The Window hooked me immediately, and I had a hard time putting it down. The story-line, characters, and general atmosphere of the story, (world-building), all added up to a cozy world that I lost myself in.

But then Cassandra lost me… after only a few months of trying, she was going to her GYN for fertility drugs, and generally obsessing over having a child, when there were larger things going in in their lives. Meanwhile, her husband’s stepdaughter, (who lives with them), is showing signs of mental illness, and their response is to be rid of her… ship her off to a foster home, or to live with her deceased mother’s parents, (who live across the country). I was so unbelievably upset with this choice they made. As parents, they surmised that she had bipolar disorder, (she was going through counseling, but made no major breakthroughs, and was never given a proper diagnosis from a psychiatrist). Mom and Dad of the year they were NOT.

Renee had problems, and their “solution” to pass her off was hardly for her own benefit; It was for their own. Am I supposed to route for Cassandra and Nick to have a child when they act in such a deplorable way? I was so upset with this turn of events that it made me angry to continue reading.

Not to say that Renee was an angel, because she certainly wasn’t. My problem is because she was built up to be the villain in this story, based on her mental illness. This offends me because I have bipolar disorder, and I know from personal experience that bipolar disorder is a mood disorder, not a “bad person” disorder. I couldn’t detach myself from this, and I wish the story didn’t take this turn.

***I received a copy of The Baby In The Window in exchange for a fair, honest, and thoughtful book review. My rating is based on factors that include, plot, world building, characters, and personal taste. I would recommend this novel to fans of contemporary, multi-cultural women’s fiction.***

Full book review @ https://aprillwood.wordpress.com/2015...
Profile Image for Sandra.
1,137 reviews45 followers
October 9, 2016
I have mixed feelings on this story. The story was a page-turner and I certainly wanted to read to the end and find out how this story ended. It was not exactly a love story and it was not exactly a family story; it was not exactly a mystery, but it had some of all of the above and more. I was disturbed by Nick and his attitude with broken loyalty between Renee and Cassandra. I feel he didn't take the responsibility of ensuring that Renee followed some very specific rules and behaviour, and that he didn't help the children to handle the death of their mother and properly prepare them for his marriage to another woman while they were still mourning their mother's death. I think the book would or could have been a tremendous self-help book for step-parents if the story had provided more mental help information and advice on how to prepare children for such big events in their lives. I think the author could have developed the story more in this very important area, and perhaps given a happier ending for the very disturbed little girl, Renee. Her step-mother calling her a 'heffa' seemed very cruel. The child obviously needed lots of help. Having said all this, the author, Alretha Thomas, can write and the story was fast-paced and interesting, and worth the read, but is meant for an adult audience.
Profile Image for Dr Author O Wright, PhD, MinD, ThD, DD.
51 reviews37 followers
December 7, 2013
The Baby in the Window by Alretha Thomas is truly a literary masterpiece and a brilliant accomplishment from this author. With an exceptionally rich, vivid and creative imagination, this novel reflected the smoothness of a seasoned writer. Indeed, the style of this novel was masterfully designed and was characterized by a remarkable amount of control. It was not hurried, and being interlaced with genuine passion, it flowed beautifully from vignette to vignette. Cass, having a remarkably strong determination to having their own child with Nick, had to deal with their teenaged stepdaughter Renee, a typical teenaged saboteur. Cass sincerely wanted to get pregnant with Nick. For a while, due to Renee’s unbending interference, and other meddling intrusions, they encountered many unfortunate disruptions and disappointments in achieving their goal. However, despite doubts and medical challenges, when the passion of love began to rule in their heart and soul, their excitement overflowed with words of spontaneous eloquence, “I‘m pregnant!”. Beautifully written and recommended for the mature reader.
Profile Image for Kimberly Westrope.
Author 8 books9 followers
March 1, 2014
In the midst of trying to get pregnant, Cassandra finds herself fumbling in the role of full-time step-mom to her husband's two kids from his first marriage. The youngest, Brian, is easy and seems to genuinely like Cassandra, but thirteen-year-old Renee is a different story. You won't believe the things Cassandra has to deal with and overcome if her marriage (and her sanity) is to survive the trials. She tries to keep a strong hold on her faith and her family on this emotional roller coaster ride.

I enjoyed this book very much. The writing is very well done, and all the characters and events are very realistic. I was definitely drawn into the story and rooting for Cassandra. This is an emotionally packed story that deals with very real issues. For me, it wasn't quite a five star story, but I wish I could have given it 4-1/2 stars. I can't wait for the next book in this series to see how the family fares. I will surely recommend this one.
Profile Image for Vivienne Neal.
Author 14 books24 followers
August 27, 2017
A Gripping Follow-up

After reading Book One, I couldn’t wait to see how things were going to progress with Nick and Cass, and the author doesn’t disappoint. Just when you think you’ll never read the next sequel to a great story, along comes a well-written, page-turning, absorbing narrative filled with some great dialogue, nonstop chaos, envy, betrayal, more secrets and lies, and loads of jolts that will send you on a tense roller coaster journey. Many of the well-developed, complex characters from Book One are back, and antagonist Renee Harte, brings a dark, gritty, and suspenseful edge to the storyline, building up to an ending that will leave you reeling and hoping Renee is never to be heard from or seen again, or is that wishful thinking?
150 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2019
The Baby In The Window

Alretha Thomas did an excellent job weaving this tale. Even though Nicholas and Cass went through some very trying times in their relationship trying to be together and then also trying to raise his ex-wife's children, once they put God as the center of their lives and their faith in Him; they were able to weather the storm and come out victorious.
2 reviews
May 28, 2018
Please read this book

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read stories about love and romance. The information and organizations are on point. Can't beat that!!!!
Profile Image for Jocelyn Sanchez.
676 reviews56 followers
September 13, 2013
This is the first book I've read of Alretha Thomas's and I must say, it was brilliant! It was a fast paced story that had me guessing on what would happen next. I enjoyed this book tremendously!

This story begins with the main character, Cassandra Harte (Cass), taking a pregnancy test. Cass, and her husband Nick, had been trying to get pregnant for months but were unsuccessful. Cass then realizes that she needs make a better plan at getting pregnant so she makes an ovulation calendar so she can seize that perfect 24-hour window. But after awhile even that plan fails. All Cass wants is a baby. She prays and wishes for God to bless her with a baby, especially a baby girl she wants to name Nicole. But soon, Cass realizes that her inability to become pregnant has nothing to do with her or even Nick and has everything to do with her evil thirteen year old stepdaughter, Renee. Will Cass ever become pregnant? And what role does her stepdaughter play in all of this?

Loved this book! I loved that the author mixed a little religion and faith into the book because it added so much to the story line. I found myself praying, while reading the book, for Cass and Nick to become pregnant. I adored the main character, Cassandra, because she was strong, funny, and loveable. I also loved her husband, Nick. I think he is such a good guy for her! Brian was one of my favorite characters. He was so cute, and how he defended Cass was beautiful! One character I did not like was, you guessed it, Renee. At first I felt back for the girl but after awhile, I wanted to smack her upside the head! *Shakes head* I felt so bad for Nick and Cass but I think they did a great job with her, considering the circumstances. What I did like was how the author portrayed Renee's character. It was easy to visualize her character and I could almost see her evil grin. That girl has issues!

I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great book!

My favorite parts:

"I peer at the dipstick, hoping the test isn't screwed. The directions were idiot-proof. Leave it to me to complicate things."

"I remember one time he talked our history teacher into taking us to feed the homeless."
Profile Image for Laverne.
327 reviews55 followers
January 12, 2014
Initially when I first received this book I enjoyed the cover it was the old against the new, pretty pink bows on the bed post of a worn crib indicative of Cassandra Harte life, or is it, you tell me?.
"I was supposed to pee on this darn thing for five seconds, but after the first “Mississippi,” I got so preoccupied with trying to position the stick directly in the path of my urine, I forgot all about the five second rule, now the darn thing is soaked".

The sentences above is how the book opens and it's the readers introduction to Mrs. Cassandra Harte. Immediately we realize what “The Baby in the Window” means (smile) and I thought OM to goodness how cute. So I settled in to continue reading and I realize that Nick and Cassandra Harte have a wonderful relationship and life together, but why can’t she get pregnant. A glimpse of an answer appears in this initial chapter.

Rising her 2 step children with her husband, Cassandra yearns for a child of her own, but until that day she and Nick continue to try. As time moves forward its beginning to look like maybe there is nothing wrong with Cassandra or Nick, but the negative sign peering out the window might have everything to do with her step daughter Renee. What Renee does is unbelievable, believing that a 13 yr old is capable of the things Renee has done will have readers turning page after page to find out why.

Can the faith of this family keep them together among deceit, demons and desires? The Baby in the Window was definitely a 5 star tense read. Thomas definitely knows how to make her stories pop, and allowing her readers to see the story from her characters vision.

I’m looking forward to One Harte, Two Loves and each book after.
A complimentary of this book was received in exchange for this review.
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Profile Image for African Americans on the Move Book Club.
726 reviews210 followers
December 15, 2014
Every married couples dream is to live happily ever after, right? Cassandra and Nicholas Harte want nothing more than to expand their family and do the same. Cassandra knew when she married Nicholas; he came as a “package” deal. He has two children from a previous marriage, Renee and Brian who Cassandra loves dearly. Renee, the oldest constantly reminds Cassandra that she’s not their mother and that she is the reason that their mother is no longer alive (their mother committed suicide shortly after Nicholas and Cassandra got married} while settling into the role of wife and step mom, Cassandra learns that all is not what it appears to be and may have to fight for her marriage against a formidable opponent who is, of all people, Renee, her own stepdaughter. This book will draw the reader in from beginning to end as it touches on the subjects of lies, manipulation and the well-guarded secret of mental illness. Does Cassandra stand a chance against an adolescent girl who is determined to run her father’s bride away? Every time I thought that the story line would “smooth” out, there came another twist. The author is giving the reader just enough to want more when finishing each chapter. Towards the end I was on the edge of my seat reading…What’s going to happen next? How will this end? I believe the writer has put herself on the map with this one and no reader will be disappointed.

Zandra Barnes
AAMBC Reviewer

Profile Image for Mindy Bigham.
Author 6 books47 followers
October 8, 2013
*I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
When I first received this book I was thinking that this was going to be a full story on the struggles of trying to have a baby with not much storyline to it. Well it is about trying to have a baby BUT what I did not expect were the twists and turns that take place throughout this story. Once I picked this book up I was unable to stop until I was finished.
The relationship between Cass and Nick is pushed to all limits with Cass trying to conceive their baby and becoming a step mother to nine year old Brian and not so normal thirteen year old Renee.
Trust is tested between Cass and Nick in multiple brilliant ways. I love how there are so many topics touched on from family, faith, and parenting to marriage and relationships.
I really hope Cass and Nick's story continues. I did not realize that this was the second book of their journey; I will definitely be reading Married in the Nick of Nine.

Overall, this book is an absolute page turner and a great book!


My Favorite Quote: I take the dipstick off of the sink and jiggle it. Maybe I can shake a plus sign out of this lousy piece of plastic that I've given way too much power. ~ Cassandra


I give this 4 stars!
You can find The Baby in the Window on Amazon.
Profile Image for Barbara.
799 reviews132 followers
November 29, 2013
There is one thing Cassandra desperately wants that she doesn’t have: A baby. After trying for months to get pregnant without success. Determined to conceive, she creates an ovulation calendar so she can seize that perfect 24-hour window. When that too fails. It soon becomes apparent to Cassandra that her inability to become pregnant has nothing to do with timing or faith, and everything to do with Renee, her diabolical, thirteen-year-old stepdaughter.

The Baby In The Window" written by Arletha Thomas is a well written and powerful storyline.
I was able to visualize and connect with the well developed characters in this story. The power of love, forgiveness and undying faith kept me turning the pages

This book can be categorized as romance novel, mystery novel and thriller all in one because there is a little bit of all of it in the story. The story keeps you wondering if someone can truly be this sweet yet deceiving at the same time.

The characters are well developed.
I loved Cassandra's character and hated Nick at times.
Renee with her demons, you will never suspected or guess that a 13 years old girl could be so evil.

Pick up a copy of The Baby In The Window by Alretha Thomas. You won't be disappointed. I look forward to reading your work again
I definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Kenya.
89 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2013
In the words of Brian from the book... "Whoa!" I really enjoyed the first book, Married In The Nick Of Nine, but Alretha Thomas brought the heat with this book! It was filled with drama, twists and turns, and so many emotional scenes that it left me breathless. I love children, but that Renee was something else! This is a great story that shows how love can conquer all but you may have to go through the fire to get the reward. Lies, deceit, trust, spirituality, love are just a few of the issues that this book touched on. I also loved the way the book flowed and it was edited very well. This was an enjoyable read and I definitely recommend this book!

Kenya E.
Soul Sistahs Book Club
Profile Image for Cassandra.
Author 1 book14 followers
November 8, 2013
This has got to be one of the best stories I've read in a really long time. In spite of the book being an instant page turner, it offers nail biting suspense that left me wondering what's going on one minute and carefully bringing me to light the next. Whenever I had to put the book down I kept wondering what will happen next. Each scene was thoroughly visualized drawing me into the life of each character and just when you think everything's okay, something bizarre stirs up all over again that leaves me angry, sad, or laughing. I have to say, reading this book took me on a wild and crazy journey. It was a really fun read!!
379 reviews6 followers
September 12, 2016
Wow...

This is my first read from Alretha Thomas, but I look forward to reading more of her work. The was a very Explosive and Intriguing read. I wasn't really expecting it play out like it did. I enjoyed reading the second book in this series, so much so that I plan on going back and read book even though I have a basic idea about the story and how it played out. I look forward to reading more about Nick and Sassy Cassy in book three of the series because my interest is piqued to see what they have to endure next.
T
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,034 reviews115 followers
October 4, 2016
I just don't know

This author has a strange way of writing a love story. In book two Cass and Nick were still struggling with their marriage and Keisha's children. Again the story was drawn out so long unnecessarily. I felt bad for Brian that he had such a manic sister. Nick's reactions to things regarding his daughter vs his wife made me cringe a few tines. Especially when she isn't his biological daughter. Just to strange. Not pedophileish as much as just too odd. I'm still scratching my head on this one.
Profile Image for Martha Huggart.
28 reviews
September 1, 2019
Riveting

It definitely kept me riveted but I gave it a 4 because of the subject matter. The author did a bang up job on the suspenseful unveiling of the story and tying up all the loose ends but it was a very troubling storyline. I kept wanting to put it down and delete it from my Kindle but at the same time, I HAD to find out how it ended. The one other issue was what happened in the end to Renee. I wasn’t happy with how that loose end was handled. Seems like she should have received a far worse sentence but maybe that’s for book 3?
32 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2014
I started The Baby in the Window around noon on a Sunday and was 3 chapters from the end that night. A little thing called "work on Monday" was the only reason I had to finish it the next day. I loved every chapter!! I definitely got my drama fix but the scenarios were also believable. Alretha's writing style is realistic and relatable. If you are looking for an attention-grabbing, fast read this is it.
Profile Image for Tanishia Pearson.
88 reviews10 followers
January 1, 2015
Wow! What a great story! Alretha Thomas is one of the greatest at serving up a heartfelt story that also feeds the reader's appetite for more drama than the law allows for! Nick and Cass want nothing more than to have a baby of their own but the child currently in their lives is hellbent on blocking those plans.

This book serves an adequate dose of drama and surprises that lead to a very wonderful ending! Awesome job! I recommend this book! FIVE STARS!!!!!
Profile Image for Wanda Cooper.
21 reviews
May 19, 2014
Excellent read...loved it...we need more books that deal with the subject of mental health issues among African Americans. I would have liked to read more of this addressed by the families...great read...
49 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2014
Good One

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. My only regret is I didn't read the first one where the two main characters first get together. Would definitely recommend, it is a "can't stop reading" book.
Profile Image for Mrs. Gayla D. Turner.
53 reviews
September 16, 2016
A Wonderful Read

The Baby in the Window was such a page turner, that at times when I was reading it, I had to stop myself, because I had appointments and other daily obligations. Aretha Thomas, what a wonderfully written book, thank you.
Profile Image for Diane West.
430 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2016
The Baby in the Window(Cass & Nick Series Book 2)

I give this book 5 stars because it was wonderful book,my heart goes out to Cass as she comes to realise that her stepdaughter is unstable all while trying to get pregnant how much can one woman take.
Profile Image for Wanda Mays.
7 reviews11 followers
September 10, 2013
Was waiting for this book which is the continuation of Married In The Nick of Nine. Love Alretha's stories and how she weaves everything together and keeps you on your toes. This is a must read.
Profile Image for Ty.
21 reviews4 followers
November 24, 2014
This is book 2, had much more drama and suspense than book 1. I really enjoyed the read. Funny how people say crazy runs in the family. In this series we find that it literally does. WOW...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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