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The Family Way
Expecting a baby was supposed to be the most incredible thing in her life, but for Pru Kenyon, it was bittersweet. Her relationship with live-in love Case McCord was both exciting and deeply satisfying. But Pru knew Case wasn't willing to take it to the next level of commitment.Pru wasn't about to force Case's hand by revealing her secret. She didn't want him to propose to her out of duty -- she wanted him to want her for herself. So she did the only thing she could.... She walked away from the love of her life.
She knew she could have this baby on her own, that she could love her child enough for two. But she hadn't bargained on what Case was willing to do for love.
She knew she could have this baby on her own, that she could love her child enough for two. But she hadn't bargained on what Case was willing to do for love.
248 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
13 people are currently reading
554 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Ann Krentz
398 books7,178 followersThe author of over 50 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
November 2, 2016
3.75 Stars
Another JAK's good read. I liked the hero, Case McCord, but the heroine, Pru, got on my nerves at times. Anyway, overall, I enjoyed the story and the author's writing style.
Another JAK's good read. I liked the hero, Case McCord, but the heroine, Pru, got on my nerves at times. Anyway, overall, I enjoyed the story and the author's writing style.
June 18, 2024
Oy. Between the narrator who sounds like an old battleaxe who eats cigarettes for breakfast, the thin as paper characters, the 80s California soap opera vibe, all the torturous info dumps, and the decidedly stupid protagonists, I threw in the towel on this one.
July 15, 2019
Hero is a “farmer” (agricultural expert and lecturer) who works for a foundation, run by a flamboyant millionaire Texan. Heroine is the PR rep for the foundation and has lived with the hero for a few months. Hero is a commitment-phobe. Heroine was a virgin when she was bowled over by the H, but went into the relationship with open eyes. When she discovers she’s pregnant she gives the hero an ultimatum (without telling him about the baby): marriage or nothing.
Hero thinks she’s bluffing and lets her drive away after accusing her of being manipulative and dramatic.
Heroine goes to her happily married sister in California. Words of wisdom from their great aunt are trotted out – why buy the cow when the milk is free, etc. . . Heroine is resigned to life as a single mom.
Hero chases after her and works on winning her back. He knows about the baby because a bill from the clinic was sent to his house. He doesn’t let the heroine know he is aware of the pregnancy because he wants her to think he’s marrying her because he wants a relationship, not just the baby.
Once engaged, the focus of the story turns to the hero’s estranged family. Three years before, his real estate developer father kicked him out of the family firm. His “fiancé” told his family she was pregnant and hero abandoned her in her hour of need, causing her to drive 100 mph and lose control of her car. They believed the dying girl over their own son. Hero left the area in his expensive sports car and made a fortune and a name for himself in “farming.”
Heroine’s introduction to the family and their fabulous California estate is well-done. Her Mary-Sue diplomatic skills are put to good use and she begins the process of building a bridge with hero’s parents.
Hero’s father was an actual farmer before he sold his land and became wealthy buying and developing real estate. He has passed on his business to his second son. Second son and his pregnant wife are threatened by the hero’s return. Pregnant wife tries to make mischief with the heroine by telling the story of hero’s abandonment of his fiancé. Heroine doesn’t believe her spin, stays loyal to the hero and ends up helping her when she goes into labor.
The hero’s parents attend a party at the Foundation and realize how successful their son is. Hero is starting to open up, knowing the heroine is loyal to him. Then the real father of his “fiance’s” baby shows up to kill/threaten the heroine so the hero’s life will be miserable again. The hero saves her and the whole story of his estrangement come out.
The happy ending has the eccentric Texan and the Great Aunt paired as well as one big happy family.
This story was aptly titled. Not only is the heroine in the family way – the second half of the story centered around the hero’s family ties. The reconciliation, while hard-won, felt natural and added to the HEA.
Hero thinks she’s bluffing and lets her drive away after accusing her of being manipulative and dramatic.
Heroine goes to her happily married sister in California. Words of wisdom from their great aunt are trotted out – why buy the cow when the milk is free, etc. . . Heroine is resigned to life as a single mom.
Hero chases after her and works on winning her back. He knows about the baby because a bill from the clinic was sent to his house. He doesn’t let the heroine know he is aware of the pregnancy because he wants her to think he’s marrying her because he wants a relationship, not just the baby.
Once engaged, the focus of the story turns to the hero’s estranged family. Three years before, his real estate developer father kicked him out of the family firm. His “fiancé” told his family she was pregnant and hero abandoned her in her hour of need, causing her to drive 100 mph and lose control of her car. They believed the dying girl over their own son. Hero left the area in his expensive sports car and made a fortune and a name for himself in “farming.”
Heroine’s introduction to the family and their fabulous California estate is well-done. Her Mary-Sue diplomatic skills are put to good use and she begins the process of building a bridge with hero’s parents.
Hero’s father was an actual farmer before he sold his land and became wealthy buying and developing real estate. He has passed on his business to his second son. Second son and his pregnant wife are threatened by the hero’s return. Pregnant wife tries to make mischief with the heroine by telling the story of hero’s abandonment of his fiancé. Heroine doesn’t believe her spin, stays loyal to the hero and ends up helping her when she goes into labor.
The hero’s parents attend a party at the Foundation and realize how successful their son is. Hero is starting to open up, knowing the heroine is loyal to him. Then the real father of his “fiance’s” baby shows up to kill/threaten the heroine so the hero’s life will be miserable again. The hero saves her and the whole story of his estrangement come out.
The happy ending has the eccentric Texan and the Great Aunt paired as well as one big happy family.
This story was aptly titled. Not only is the heroine in the family way – the second half of the story centered around the hero’s family ties. The reconciliation, while hard-won, felt natural and added to the HEA.
January 14, 2024
2 Stars for The Family Way (audiobook) Jayne Ann Krentz read by Laural Merlington.
This was kind of a poor story mixed with unlikeable characters. It felt more like author was practicing her writing. Which is fine but I feel like I got pulled in by a great cover.
This was kind of a poor story mixed with unlikeable characters. It felt more like author was practicing her writing. Which is fine but I feel like I got pulled in by a great cover.
March 12, 2021
3.5 stars.
This is a fun read!
I couldn’t believe this is my first book from this famous author.
Okay, scratch that! I just found out, her other pen name is Amanda Quick! Yeah, I read lots of her books then. No wonder I like this one too. 😜
It’s an oldie book with an old fashion way of thinking, but I’m older enough to be so understanding with these two set of minds! 😬😘
Quite funny too and at the day when it was published, this book probably went into 80s smuts category 😳. Nothing compares with the current smutty though, but if my mum had a chance to read it, she probably would hide it from me! 😳😂🤣
❤️
This is a fun read!
I couldn’t believe this is my first book from this famous author.
Okay, scratch that! I just found out, her other pen name is Amanda Quick! Yeah, I read lots of her books then. No wonder I like this one too. 😜
It’s an oldie book with an old fashion way of thinking, but I’m older enough to be so understanding with these two set of minds! 😬😘
Quite funny too and at the day when it was published, this book probably went into 80s smuts category 😳. Nothing compares with the current smutty though, but if my mum had a chance to read it, she probably would hide it from me! 😳😂🤣
❤️
December 2, 2022
I liked the way the story unfolds - from the h/H already in a live-in relationship and the h walking out on him as the book opens. She wants more but he's mulishly insistent on status quo - and on his own terms. So, she cuts her losses and walks away.
August 26, 2016
Case and Pru. Pru has a fling with Case and after a few months finds that she is pregnant. Case has made it clear that he isn't interested in marriage and kids. But she gives Case an ultimatum that he marry her or she is leaving (without mentioning the baby). Case of course gets mad and says 'Hell no' but there's a reason from his past why he reacts so strongly. Still, Pru is gone and the servants and his colleagues hate him because of it. When he finds out the truth behind her ultimatum, he chases her down and seduces her into marrying him. Of course she finds out that he knew about the baby, but don't worry, it doesn't get ridiculous. This was really a nice smooth easy read. It would have been boring except for when they go to meet Case's estranged parents/family. She learns the reason Case has been so against marriage etc.
Case was pretty hot and the story was lightened with humour here and there when Pru quotes her aunt Wilhelmena. The reader did a great job with his voice (listened as an audio book). It's not really a 4 star but I enjoyed it ; )
Case was pretty hot and the story was lightened with humour here and there when Pru quotes her aunt Wilhelmena. The reader did a great job with his voice (listened as an audio book). It's not really a 4 star but I enjoyed it ; )
December 6, 2019
"The Family Way" is the story of Pru and Case.
A very enjoyable book, with feisty characters and loyalty as its core. The plot begins with our h abandoning the H when she realizes his inability to commit, even though they have been living together for months. They work as boss-secretary, and the reason for the dispute..a freshly baked bun in the oven.
The H soon realizes his error, wooes the h into being his wife..only for her to discover he was aware of her secret. As his family and past get entwined with their present life, it's only the h's strength and trust that saves their marriage, and love.
I really loved the strong h and her faith in the H. The H was possessive and kinda nuts, but utterly devoted to the h. Their families were dysfunctional, but their love could withstand most of the drama they faced. Furthermore, the h defending the H against baseless accusations has to be my favorite scene in the book.
Another JAK banger!
Safe
4.25/5
A very enjoyable book, with feisty characters and loyalty as its core. The plot begins with our h abandoning the H when she realizes his inability to commit, even though they have been living together for months. They work as boss-secretary, and the reason for the dispute..a freshly baked bun in the oven.
The H soon realizes his error, wooes the h into being his wife..only for her to discover he was aware of her secret. As his family and past get entwined with their present life, it's only the h's strength and trust that saves their marriage, and love.
I really loved the strong h and her faith in the H. The H was possessive and kinda nuts, but utterly devoted to the h. Their families were dysfunctional, but their love could withstand most of the drama they faced. Furthermore, the h defending the H against baseless accusations has to be my favorite scene in the book.
Another JAK banger!
Safe
4.25/5
September 23, 2019
Classic old school JAK category book.
I enjoyed this narration of The Family Way. As I listened, I remembered reading it many years ago. Although a bit dated, it held up and I enjoyed revisiting the characters.
I enjoyed this narration of The Family Way. As I listened, I remembered reading it many years ago. Although a bit dated, it held up and I enjoyed revisiting the characters.
October 8, 2018
Cute, the beginning was different, and I liked that very much. The authors writing style is right up my alley. Lol. I liked how assertive and “no nonsense” the characters were in this book. I will be reading more from this author.
January 15, 2011
This is a pretty classic old-school JAK with a hero who's a bit of a jerk and a heroine that loves him despite everything. I thought the book would focus more on the relationship between Pru and Case, him trying to woo her back. LOL, I don't know what I was thinking since it's so not JAK style ^_^; The romance between Case and Pru was resolved quite rapidly, although Case should have grovelled a lot more for Pru to come back. And instead, the story delved in Case's past and his relationship with his family. Overall, the story was good and interesting... but it would have been better if it didn't remind me so strongly of The Golden Chance. There were a lot of similarities between the two books - hero estranged with family, the pregnancy, heroine's belief that hero would have done what's right because of pregnancy, etc. So much that I believe The Family Way is the precursor of The Golden Chance and that dampened my enjoyment of the book a little bit. Also, in the end, The Family Way could not really compare to The Golden Chance given the difference in length and the way the book wrapped everything up a bit too neatly and abruptly.
March 3, 2016
Case McCord has nO interest in being married...none... he lives with Pru Kenyon... she is a southern gal and thinks sex before marriage is probably not a good thing (especially in her family, as her mom was a unwed mother twice over), she however loves Case and moves in....
The story starts from here, she is packing up and leaving, hoping to escape before he comes home...as before he left she tried to see if there was a possibility of marriage... forever and he was clear NO...but he comes home early to catch her trying to escape.... where he seems to think she is trying to force him... manipulate him to get him to marry her... she isn't... she wants him to love her to want to be with her... after all she has a shocking revelation...she is pregnant..... but she doesnt tell him, she does not want him to offer to marry her or feel cornered because she is pregnant... so she leaves him.
The story from there is quite full fledged despite it not seeming like such a long book. There is a villain and danger and a hateful woman and family drama... I loved it!~
spoilers sorta
Pru is the best heroine... she always has his back period... she always chooses him.... no TSTL heroine here~
The story starts from here, she is packing up and leaving, hoping to escape before he comes home...as before he left she tried to see if there was a possibility of marriage... forever and he was clear NO...but he comes home early to catch her trying to escape.... where he seems to think she is trying to force him... manipulate him to get him to marry her... she isn't... she wants him to love her to want to be with her... after all she has a shocking revelation...she is pregnant..... but she doesnt tell him, she does not want him to offer to marry her or feel cornered because she is pregnant... so she leaves him.
The story from there is quite full fledged despite it not seeming like such a long book. There is a villain and danger and a hateful woman and family drama... I loved it!~
spoilers sorta
Pru is the best heroine... she always has his back period... she always chooses him.... no TSTL heroine here~
February 15, 2012
This isn't really a secret baby story, since the big reveal happened months before the baby arrived. So that would make it, what.... Secret fetus? Secret pregnancy? Whatever, it's not something I normally go for and not a trope JAK normally uses (and since she excels at recycling material in her books, this may be unique in her oeuvre). I generally liked the way it was handled. Nice mix of humor and pathos.
This seems to be the point in JAK's career when she was startling to really get a handle on making things flow and toning down the alpha-jerkiness of her heroes. I mean McCord was kind of a douche at times, but the way his character was played off of Pru's made him seem like a befuddled, well-intentioned douche. And Pru seemed like a laid-back woman who knows how to use kindness to her advantage.
I didn't love the end. There was actually a scene there that I think may have been repeated word-for-word in Ravished to better effect. But overall it was an enjoyable story.
I rated it 3 stars in comparison with JAK's work as a whole, but in terms of her category romances, it might be closer to 4 stars.
This seems to be the point in JAK's career when she was startling to really get a handle on making things flow and toning down the alpha-jerkiness of her heroes. I mean McCord was kind of a douche at times, but the way his character was played off of Pru's made him seem like a befuddled, well-intentioned douche. And Pru seemed like a laid-back woman who knows how to use kindness to her advantage.
I didn't love the end. There was actually a scene there that I think may have been repeated word-for-word in Ravished to better effect. But overall it was an enjoyable story.
I rated it 3 stars in comparison with JAK's work as a whole, but in terms of her category romances, it might be closer to 4 stars.
May 7, 2016
Me surpreendi positivamente.
Gostei da história e adorei as frases com lições de vida da tia da heroína.
Gostei da história e adorei as frases com lições de vida da tia da heroína.
Read
July 5, 2016Prudence Kenyon had lived with Case McCord for three months. During that time period, they had unprotected sex one night after Case had returned from a particularly depressing trip to Africa. Pru had ended up pregnant. She decided that she would deliver an ultimatum to Case that they get married or she would leave him. He told her that she wouldn't leave because she loved him but he was wrong. Pru left and went to stay with her sister and her husband.
Case received a bill from the clinic that Pru went to and that is how he found out she was pregnant. It took case about a week but he found Pru and took her out a few times and proposed to her. Pru agreed to marry him but still didn't tell him she was pregnant. She thought he might have found out and went through his clothes one evening and found the bill. She confronted him and he told her that he did know and he was determined that they should be married because the child was his. Things would work out because she loved him. Pru knew that he was right about that and they were married.
Case told Pru that he was going to take her to meet his parents on their way back home. They stopped for what was planned to be a couple hours and spent the night. Case's mother was glad he had come and his father was a little skeptical. His brother and Devin, who was previously as close as his brother, were somewhat surprised and his sister-in-law was hostile. They brought up a situation that had happened three years ago as the reason they were all estranged.
Three years previous, Case had been engaged to Laura, who the family loved and trusted. She was engaged to Case. Case had called off the engagement and Laura ended up driving over 100 miles an hour and was involved in an accident. As she was dying, she told the family that she was pregnant and Case refused to marry her. Case had told them that he wasn't the father but they chose to believe Laura and blamed her death on Case. He had left home and his father's company to make his own way. His brother took over the company.
Case and Prudence both worked for J.P. Arlington. He ran a foundation that worked with other countries to teach them new farming techniques to better feed their population. Case was a farmer who worked with the land and his hands. He was happy and successful in what he did. Pru was helpful in the planning of events and fund raising for the foundation. J.P. depended on her a lot.
J.P. was from Texas and liked exploiting that fact. He liked his fund raisers to have fancy foods with a little chili and jalapeño cornbread thrown in. He liked wearing flashy cowboy clothes. He had a tendency to make comments like slicker that a hog on ice. He reminded Pru of her Aunt Wilhelmina. She tended to make the same sort of comments and was also a Texan. Pru and Case lived in the San Diego area.
Pru invited Case's family to come to one of their fund raising events and was anticipating their attendance. Case felt like they wouldn't come. Pru had a visitor soon after having arrived home. It was her very pregnant sister-in-law. She was convinced that Pru had married Case for his money and was going to convince him to return to take her husband's position in the company away from him. Pru told her that wasn't true. Case loved his job and didn't need the family's money. Carrie ended up going into labor and Pru stayed with her son was born. Through all of this, Pru had convinced Carrie that she was telling the truth and her husband's position with the family business was secure.
Case's parents come to the fund raiser, as well as Devin. Devin convinced Pru to take a walk with him outside and forced her to listen to what he had to say about Laura and Case's relationship. Case was with his parents and they were looking for Pru when they overheard the conversation she was having with Devin. Pru turned to all of them and told them that Case would have had a reason for breaking off the engagement with Laura. She told them all that it was probably because Case wasn't the father of the child she was carrying. They had all been around Case long enough to know that he wouldn't react that way. She would know because she was pregnant with his child and he didn't reject her. He had found her and married her. She said that Case had probably tried to tell them and was surprised that they didn't believe him. His mother, Evelyn, told Pru that they hadn't believed him when he told them because they loved Laura and were convinced that she would lie on her deathbed. They were looking at things from Prudence's point of view now and believed that Case had told the truth.
Prudence and Case were talking later that night. Case was getting ready to take a trip to Nebraska. Case told her that there was something about Devin that he wasn't comfortable with. He asked her to stay away from him and she agreed. She asked Case about who the father of Laura's baby was and Case told her that he didn't know. Laura had told him that it was his brother, Kyle, but Case didn't think that was right either.
Case had been gone for a couple of days and was due back the next day. Pru had stopped to pick up a pizza and arrived home. She was surprised to see Devin waiting for her. He helped carry in the pizza and Pru was a little uncomfortable but didn't want to be outright rude. She tried to get him to leave but he didn't take any of her hints and followed her into the house. Pru led him into the backyard and noticed a rake leaned against one of the trees. Devin then told Pru that he didn't want to continue working for the McCord's but that it would take too long to work his way up in another company. He new that he could only go so far with the McCord's because he wasn't family. He had been the one who got Laura pregnant and they had laughed about it behind Case's back. Laura was determined to marry Case so that she would be family. Devin wanted to marry her but she was going to marry Case. Devin wanted to punish Case for Laura's death. Devin decided to do that by making Case wonder who the father of Pru's child was. He then attacked Pru and she hit him with the rake. That caused him to loosen his hold on Pru and she ran into the house to call the police only she ran into Case first. He had come home early to find his wife being attacked by someone who was supposed to be a friend. Pru went inside to call the police. They arrived but Devin was a little beaten up by the time they arrived.
After a couple of hours, the police left and Pru finally got to eat her pizza. She was up talking to Case and Case told her that he loved her. He was wondering why Pru never told him that she loved him when he knew that she did. She told him it was because she wasn't sure how he felt about her. He told her that even if she wasn't pregnant, he would have come after her. He just didn't like ultimatums.
They had a baby boy and J.P. flew Aunt Wilhelmina out to California to meet Case and the baby. J.P. was happy to entertain Aunt Willy while Pru was in the hospital.
Case received a bill from the clinic that Pru went to and that is how he found out she was pregnant. It took case about a week but he found Pru and took her out a few times and proposed to her. Pru agreed to marry him but still didn't tell him she was pregnant. She thought he might have found out and went through his clothes one evening and found the bill. She confronted him and he told her that he did know and he was determined that they should be married because the child was his. Things would work out because she loved him. Pru knew that he was right about that and they were married.
Case told Pru that he was going to take her to meet his parents on their way back home. They stopped for what was planned to be a couple hours and spent the night. Case's mother was glad he had come and his father was a little skeptical. His brother and Devin, who was previously as close as his brother, were somewhat surprised and his sister-in-law was hostile. They brought up a situation that had happened three years ago as the reason they were all estranged.
Three years previous, Case had been engaged to Laura, who the family loved and trusted. She was engaged to Case. Case had called off the engagement and Laura ended up driving over 100 miles an hour and was involved in an accident. As she was dying, she told the family that she was pregnant and Case refused to marry her. Case had told them that he wasn't the father but they chose to believe Laura and blamed her death on Case. He had left home and his father's company to make his own way. His brother took over the company.
Case and Prudence both worked for J.P. Arlington. He ran a foundation that worked with other countries to teach them new farming techniques to better feed their population. Case was a farmer who worked with the land and his hands. He was happy and successful in what he did. Pru was helpful in the planning of events and fund raising for the foundation. J.P. depended on her a lot.
J.P. was from Texas and liked exploiting that fact. He liked his fund raisers to have fancy foods with a little chili and jalapeño cornbread thrown in. He liked wearing flashy cowboy clothes. He had a tendency to make comments like slicker that a hog on ice. He reminded Pru of her Aunt Wilhelmina. She tended to make the same sort of comments and was also a Texan. Pru and Case lived in the San Diego area.
Pru invited Case's family to come to one of their fund raising events and was anticipating their attendance. Case felt like they wouldn't come. Pru had a visitor soon after having arrived home. It was her very pregnant sister-in-law. She was convinced that Pru had married Case for his money and was going to convince him to return to take her husband's position in the company away from him. Pru told her that wasn't true. Case loved his job and didn't need the family's money. Carrie ended up going into labor and Pru stayed with her son was born. Through all of this, Pru had convinced Carrie that she was telling the truth and her husband's position with the family business was secure.
Case's parents come to the fund raiser, as well as Devin. Devin convinced Pru to take a walk with him outside and forced her to listen to what he had to say about Laura and Case's relationship. Case was with his parents and they were looking for Pru when they overheard the conversation she was having with Devin. Pru turned to all of them and told them that Case would have had a reason for breaking off the engagement with Laura. She told them all that it was probably because Case wasn't the father of the child she was carrying. They had all been around Case long enough to know that he wouldn't react that way. She would know because she was pregnant with his child and he didn't reject her. He had found her and married her. She said that Case had probably tried to tell them and was surprised that they didn't believe him. His mother, Evelyn, told Pru that they hadn't believed him when he told them because they loved Laura and were convinced that she would lie on her deathbed. They were looking at things from Prudence's point of view now and believed that Case had told the truth.
Prudence and Case were talking later that night. Case was getting ready to take a trip to Nebraska. Case told her that there was something about Devin that he wasn't comfortable with. He asked her to stay away from him and she agreed. She asked Case about who the father of Laura's baby was and Case told her that he didn't know. Laura had told him that it was his brother, Kyle, but Case didn't think that was right either.
Case had been gone for a couple of days and was due back the next day. Pru had stopped to pick up a pizza and arrived home. She was surprised to see Devin waiting for her. He helped carry in the pizza and Pru was a little uncomfortable but didn't want to be outright rude. She tried to get him to leave but he didn't take any of her hints and followed her into the house. Pru led him into the backyard and noticed a rake leaned against one of the trees. Devin then told Pru that he didn't want to continue working for the McCord's but that it would take too long to work his way up in another company. He new that he could only go so far with the McCord's because he wasn't family. He had been the one who got Laura pregnant and they had laughed about it behind Case's back. Laura was determined to marry Case so that she would be family. Devin wanted to marry her but she was going to marry Case. Devin wanted to punish Case for Laura's death. Devin decided to do that by making Case wonder who the father of Pru's child was. He then attacked Pru and she hit him with the rake. That caused him to loosen his hold on Pru and she ran into the house to call the police only she ran into Case first. He had come home early to find his wife being attacked by someone who was supposed to be a friend. Pru went inside to call the police. They arrived but Devin was a little beaten up by the time they arrived.
After a couple of hours, the police left and Pru finally got to eat her pizza. She was up talking to Case and Case told her that he loved her. He was wondering why Pru never told him that she loved him when he knew that she did. She told him it was because she wasn't sure how he felt about her. He told her that even if she wasn't pregnant, he would have come after her. He just didn't like ultimatums.
They had a baby boy and J.P. flew Aunt Wilhelmina out to California to meet Case and the baby. J.P. was happy to entertain Aunt Willy while Pru was in the hospital.
March 7, 2015
I came across this as an audiobook when I joined Hoopla through my public library. Since it was one of her backlist I hadn't read it and so immediately checked it out. Another reviewer compared it to The Golden Chance, and it has some similarities. But, not as many as some of her other books do to each other. This one is different in that the heroine is pregnant, and the hero has to convince her to marry him. The marriage does occur fairly early, and the main issue is related to overcoming the rift in McCord's relationship with his family.
McCord is an alpha male who is confident, arrogant, and somewhat condescending. It is necessary to remember that this book is from the late 1980s, and that different behavior was accepted in romantic heroes then. As much as I found McCord annoying, he did learn from Pru's behavior, and ultimately showed her respect and caring. Pru was such a soft and feminine person that I had a hard time relating to her. However, that softness is what allows her to see past people's statements to what is driving them. This makes her someone who draws real love an loyalty from friends and coworkers.
My main problem with the book is the reason behind McCord's rift with his family. The conflict created by his fiance didn't make any sense, and I found it weak. .
McCord is an alpha male who is confident, arrogant, and somewhat condescending. It is necessary to remember that this book is from the late 1980s, and that different behavior was accepted in romantic heroes then. As much as I found McCord annoying, he did learn from Pru's behavior, and ultimately showed her respect and caring. Pru was such a soft and feminine person that I had a hard time relating to her. However, that softness is what allows her to see past people's statements to what is driving them. This makes her someone who draws real love an loyalty from friends and coworkers.
My main problem with the book is the reason behind McCord's rift with his family. The conflict created by his fiance didn't make any sense, and I found it weak. .
November 4, 2015
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
First published: 1987
Length: 288 pages (large print)
Setting: Contemporary, San Diego.
Sex: Often explicit. Reasonably frequent.
Hero: Agriculture Consultant.
Heroine: PR.
A very straightforward contemporary (80s) pulp romance which tackles “living in sin”, getting pregnant before marriage as well as trust and loyalty.
One of those 80s books with a strong, independent, intelligent woman who likes sex (and to be dominated) and an Alpha, protective, dominant, respectful hero. The focus on sexual relationship outside of marriage ages the book and yet the discussion/philosophy continues - why would he pay for the milk? - placing the responsibility for getting him to the altar firmly in her court. Rather anti-feminist and something of a moment in time.
Surprisingly interesting but light and fluffy.
References:
Author's website: http://jayneannkrentz.com/the-family-...
(ISBN 9780786247639)
-CR-
First published: 1987
Length: 288 pages (large print)
Setting: Contemporary, San Diego.
Sex: Often explicit. Reasonably frequent.
Hero: Agriculture Consultant.
Heroine: PR.
A very straightforward contemporary (80s) pulp romance which tackles “living in sin”, getting pregnant before marriage as well as trust and loyalty.
One of those 80s books with a strong, independent, intelligent woman who likes sex (and to be dominated) and an Alpha, protective, dominant, respectful hero. The focus on sexual relationship outside of marriage ages the book and yet the discussion/philosophy continues - why would he pay for the milk? - placing the responsibility for getting him to the altar firmly in her court. Rather anti-feminist and something of a moment in time.
Surprisingly interesting but light and fluffy.
References:
Author's website: http://jayneannkrentz.com/the-family-...
(ISBN 9780786247639)
-CR-
August 21, 2015
Love this story!
Pru gives McCord an ultimatum about marriage that he chooses to ignore. He eventually tracks her down and they get married, but now she has to deal with reconciling him and his family while not clearly understanding all the reasons.
Love the characters. Pru is very independent and caring. McCord is stubborn. They make a great couple. Plus both their families are interesting. Timeless story.
Pru gives McCord an ultimatum about marriage that he chooses to ignore. He eventually tracks her down and they get married, but now she has to deal with reconciling him and his family while not clearly understanding all the reasons.
Love the characters. Pru is very independent and caring. McCord is stubborn. They make a great couple. Plus both their families are interesting. Timeless story.
September 5, 2012
Pru leaves Case before he proposes because she's having a baby. This entire, and I mean entire, plot could have been avoided with 1-2 five-minute conversations, for which there were about 50 opportunities during the book, and, you know, infinity opportunities before it.
December 16, 2015
I can't believe I even finished this :/
May 25, 2023
THE FAMILY WAY is an early standalone Romance novel by Jayne Ann Krentz, published in 1987.
MY RATING GUIDE: Overall 3.5 Stars. Since I enjoyed the plot in the later half of the book the most, I finished reading TFW mostly satisfied. I may revisit TFW at some point in the future as a nostalgic read.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I ENJOYED THIS; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
JP Arlington is a Texan who became incredibly wealthy through the discovery of oil. With much of his money, he funded the JP Arlington Agricultural Research and Development Foundation to assist poor global communities, especially areas struggling with inefficient or inadequate farming methods.
Case McCord has been employed for the past 3yrs by Arlington Agricultural Research and Development Foundation located in CA. His strengths in leadership, management and science have allowed Case to rise quickly to one of the highest levels of the nonprofit org. McCord travels extensively on behalf of the organization, sharing new agricultural ideas and products to private companies and developing foreign countries globally. McCords compassion, knowledge and desire to educate and assist the communities in which he travels has made his work very successful and rewarding.
Prudence Kenyon has been employed in JP Arlington’s publishing and publicity area for the past 6 months. In her position, Prudence plans dinners and benefits, publicizes them, organizes the menu, the staff and with the founder, JP Arlington, hosts the dinners and events once the guests arrive. Since Prudences employment, funds raised for the organization has increased significantly. Prudence also publishes the organization’s scientific research providing McCord with the documentation necessary in his work.
The Foundation is a tight organization with a small staff. McCord and Prudence have worked together since the beginning, forming a personal relationship soon after Prudence’s arrival. Pru’s unexpected pregnancy forces a few decisions and actions sooner than either she or McCord were anticipating. Pru plans to keep, raise, and love the baby but she doesn’t want to coerce McCord into anything. Previously, he has shared his negative feelings regarding marriage. Decisions, decisions.
Comments ~
1) THE FAMILY WAY was originally published in 1987. I first read it at that time. The conflict in the beginning of TFW is between the main characters, not my favorite, but typical in many romances, especially those from this period. The conflict changes in the later half of the novel switching to a Danger/Proximity type in which the MCs become a team against one or more outside threats. I have a decided preference for novels with Danger/Proximity conflict rather than conflict within the relationship. For this reason, I much preferred the later half of the novel.
2) Case McCord is a alpha character very typical of Romance novels during the 1980’s. Many readers today will neither understand nor appreciate such a character. I grew up during this period, so I am very familiar with them. ;) They can be stubborn, are decisive, loyal, hard working, capable, often intelligent. They set their own rules and follow them without explanation. Again, some readers will not like such a character.
3) For the most part, I thought Prudence was okay. Some of her decisions would be handled differently today, but considering this book was written nearly 40yrs ago it wasn’t unexpected. Actually less angst than some books published at this time.
4) Readers who prefer novels with main characters operating under todays standards and relationship norms should pass on THE FAMILY WAY.
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - YES. Occasional strong language.
VIOLENCE - PG.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Detailed scenes of intimacy occur 3 or 4 times.
MY RATING GUIDE: Overall 3.5 Stars. Since I enjoyed the plot in the later half of the book the most, I finished reading TFW mostly satisfied. I may revisit TFW at some point in the future as a nostalgic read.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I ENJOYED THIS; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
JP Arlington is a Texan who became incredibly wealthy through the discovery of oil. With much of his money, he funded the JP Arlington Agricultural Research and Development Foundation to assist poor global communities, especially areas struggling with inefficient or inadequate farming methods.
Case McCord has been employed for the past 3yrs by Arlington Agricultural Research and Development Foundation located in CA. His strengths in leadership, management and science have allowed Case to rise quickly to one of the highest levels of the nonprofit org. McCord travels extensively on behalf of the organization, sharing new agricultural ideas and products to private companies and developing foreign countries globally. McCords compassion, knowledge and desire to educate and assist the communities in which he travels has made his work very successful and rewarding.
Prudence Kenyon has been employed in JP Arlington’s publishing and publicity area for the past 6 months. In her position, Prudence plans dinners and benefits, publicizes them, organizes the menu, the staff and with the founder, JP Arlington, hosts the dinners and events once the guests arrive. Since Prudences employment, funds raised for the organization has increased significantly. Prudence also publishes the organization’s scientific research providing McCord with the documentation necessary in his work.
The Foundation is a tight organization with a small staff. McCord and Prudence have worked together since the beginning, forming a personal relationship soon after Prudence’s arrival. Pru’s unexpected pregnancy forces a few decisions and actions sooner than either she or McCord were anticipating. Pru plans to keep, raise, and love the baby but she doesn’t want to coerce McCord into anything. Previously, he has shared his negative feelings regarding marriage. Decisions, decisions.
Comments ~
1) THE FAMILY WAY was originally published in 1987. I first read it at that time. The conflict in the beginning of TFW is between the main characters, not my favorite, but typical in many romances, especially those from this period. The conflict changes in the later half of the novel switching to a Danger/Proximity type in which the MCs become a team against one or more outside threats. I have a decided preference for novels with Danger/Proximity conflict rather than conflict within the relationship. For this reason, I much preferred the later half of the novel.
2) Case McCord is a alpha character very typical of Romance novels during the 1980’s. Many readers today will neither understand nor appreciate such a character. I grew up during this period, so I am very familiar with them. ;) They can be stubborn, are decisive, loyal, hard working, capable, often intelligent. They set their own rules and follow them without explanation. Again, some readers will not like such a character.
3) For the most part, I thought Prudence was okay. Some of her decisions would be handled differently today, but considering this book was written nearly 40yrs ago it wasn’t unexpected. Actually less angst than some books published at this time.
4) Readers who prefer novels with main characters operating under todays standards and relationship norms should pass on THE FAMILY WAY.
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - YES. Occasional strong language.
VIOLENCE - PG.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Detailed scenes of intimacy occur 3 or 4 times.
April 20, 2010
This was early Jayne Ann Krentz. It was very formulaic and uninteresting. When the couple ends up married before the book is half is over, what is the purpose of the romance? They didn’t question each other and Pru barely stands up to the man. As most of these kinds of books, the story line could have been developed and expanded on to be made passable. Or maybe not. This is a very quick read (an hour max) so if you want an easy romance than this is your book.
August 17, 2014
Okay, this was a re-read for the who knows how many times. Like all JAK books, I loved it. It is definitely one of my favorites even amongst her books.
The only problem I had with the book is the portrayal of the "older" characters. The housekeeper is fifty and has episodes whenever she is upset. I'm older than that and I felt insulted by the characterization of a woman of that age.
Funny. I didn't feel that way when I read this book back in the 80s.
The only problem I had with the book is the portrayal of the "older" characters. The housekeeper is fifty and has episodes whenever she is upset. I'm older than that and I felt insulted by the characterization of a woman of that age.
Funny. I didn't feel that way when I read this book back in the 80s.
August 24, 2015
Enjoyed this early novel of Jayne Anne Krentz. I like the story line, Pru Kenyon knew what she wanted and knew Case McCord was not interested in marriage. She was not sharing her secret, she did not want a forced marriage, so she left. She knew she had family and would be ok on her own. The fact that Pru understands Case better than his parents and brother was revealing when Pru forced a meeting with them. Glad I own this, I'll read it again.
February 12, 2021
One of my favorite JAK, this book has it all, great characters, great dialogue, an appealing plot line, and it's short enough to read in an afternoon. It is usually my first pick when I want to while away some time in a pleasant, lazy way. That's why I have read it so many times. This time is the tenth read, and I still love it.
February 6, 2015
Found this book in my many boxes; probably bought it because it was Jayne Ann Krentz....anyway, the book was copyrighted in 1987, and it clearly shows - the whole drama about being unwed and pregnant sorta does not resonate..and the whole story was not that exiting, period - although her aunt with her wise sayings was pretty amusing...
October 2, 2008
This was a really good and easy read.
September 16, 2020
Romance Fluff, but I enjoyed it :)
July 31, 2011
a favorite, good read, good find, love finds a way, key word trust
January 13, 2022
Another keeper from JAK
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews