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Midnight Sons #4
Because of the Baby
Hard Luck, Alaska—a town that needs women!
Location: 50 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Population: 150—mostly men—but growing! Because the O'Halloran brothers, who run a bush-plane service called Midnight Sons, are heading a campaign to bring women to Hard Luck!
Matt Caldwell: Charles O'Halloran's brother-in-law. An easygoing charmer who's recently moved to Hard Luck, where he's begun to renovate the O'Hallorans' old lodge. He's also begun a strategy to win back his ex-wife…starting with a Valentine card.
Karen Caldwell: She's still in love with her ex-husband. Her reaction to him at his sister's wedding—and afterward—certainly proved THAT. It also left her pregnant.
Now Matt wants her to marry him again, to live with him in the lodge at Hard Luck. And not JUST because of the baby!
Location: 50 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Population: 150—mostly men—but growing! Because the O'Halloran brothers, who run a bush-plane service called Midnight Sons, are heading a campaign to bring women to Hard Luck!
Matt Caldwell: Charles O'Halloran's brother-in-law. An easygoing charmer who's recently moved to Hard Luck, where he's begun to renovate the O'Hallorans' old lodge. He's also begun a strategy to win back his ex-wife…starting with a Valentine card.
Karen Caldwell: She's still in love with her ex-husband. Her reaction to him at his sister's wedding—and afterward—certainly proved THAT. It also left her pregnant.
Now Matt wants her to marry him again, to live with him in the lodge at Hard Luck. And not JUST because of the baby!
185 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1996
260 people are currently reading
801 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
895 books20.6k followersDebbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
October 4, 2014
Two-haiku review:
She left him, divorced
Family wedding, they have sex
Uh-oh, she's pregnant
Least fave of series
Didn't love these characters
Issues not resolved
She left him, divorced
Family wedding, they have sex
Uh-oh, she's pregnant
Least fave of series
Didn't love these characters
Issues not resolved
December 4, 2013
Reading Debbie Macomber books for me is my so called "Comfort Food." I have always liked Debbie's books. Her love stories are just that, not a 'sex fest,' like so many so called "Romance" novels. You can depend on her for clean fun reading. I could go on and on about how she writes tender love stories, and how they are about normal people, but anyone who is a Debbie Macomber fan all ready knows that.
March 16, 2021
Because of the Baby is book 4 in the Midnight Sons series. This is my least favorite of the series. I don't know if that is more because of the characters and the writing or if it is due to the voices that the narrator used.
There were a few subplots in this book and it bounces around between the various couples, but the main storyline was about Karen and Matt. They were married but divorced 2 years prior and still love each other. After not seeing each other for almost 2 years, they reconnected at a family member's wedding and had a one night stand that resulted in a pregnancy. So then they reconnected and the story goes from there.
I struggled with the characters and didn't particularly like either of them. Matt was dense and Karen was obnoxious. She expects that just because she gets upset, Matt should automatically know and understand why and she shouldn't have to tell him. It was quite annoying. Plus Matt was emotionally immature. He loved her but beyond that he was helpless.
The narration didn't do it for me in this book. Karen sounded whiny the whole time and it grated on my nerves. I think the voice made her less likable. I think, had I read it instead of listened, I would have liked her more. Matt's voice was annoying too. He sounded like an airhead and a teenager.
Overall, not my favorite and I doubt I will listen again. 2-2.5 stars. I don't think I will continue with this series. The ongoing setup for Christian and Mariah's book over the past couple books has gotten old. I don't even care to see how their story will turn out because Christian is just rude and childish to her.
There were a few subplots in this book and it bounces around between the various couples, but the main storyline was about Karen and Matt. They were married but divorced 2 years prior and still love each other. After not seeing each other for almost 2 years, they reconnected at a family member's wedding and had a one night stand that resulted in a pregnancy. So then they reconnected and the story goes from there.
I struggled with the characters and didn't particularly like either of them. Matt was dense and Karen was obnoxious. She expects that just because she gets upset, Matt should automatically know and understand why and she shouldn't have to tell him. It was quite annoying. Plus Matt was emotionally immature. He loved her but beyond that he was helpless.
The narration didn't do it for me in this book. Karen sounded whiny the whole time and it grated on my nerves. I think the voice made her less likable. I think, had I read it instead of listened, I would have liked her more. Matt's voice was annoying too. He sounded like an airhead and a teenager.
Overall, not my favorite and I doubt I will listen again. 2-2.5 stars. I don't think I will continue with this series. The ongoing setup for Christian and Mariah's book over the past couple books has gotten old. I don't even care to see how their story will turn out because Christian is just rude and childish to her.
September 4, 2019
Too much focus on sex as an addiction or a need, rather than a way of communicating affection. The couples seemed to see sex as the only way they could share intimacy. They found it emotionally painful to be with one another when they were not having sex.
September 9, 2013
Read it as it was a new e book release at the library. Really wasted my time. Oh well can't love every book.
February 25, 2018
Getting tired, too harlequin
April 15, 2018
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY
Because of the Baby is a novella about husband and wife trying to patch things up...Karen Caldwell, divorced her husband. Thinking he's being just as childish as before. Switching careers, spending his entire inheritance, Bethany is worried he's just like her father. But Matt Caldwell is nothing like Karen's dad. Instead, he's just trying to find the career he wants and will enjoy doing. Neither one expected him to finally find his calling. Then, there's their marriage on the line. Matt is doing everything he can to win back Karen's hand in marriage. However, there's also a tiny surprise that might just be the fix they needed to bring them closer. A baby does wonders...
**
This is part of the Midnight Sons series. It takes place in hard Luck, Alaska and in this book Matt Caldwell has used his inheritance to buy a run down lodge with the intention of fixing it up and turning it into a destination vacation place. His wife had left and divorced him a couple of years ago after 4 years of marriage and the way he jumped from job to job. She couldn't handle the insecurity the way he jumped from job to job. His sister is getting married and since his ex (Karen) was close to his sister she was at the wedding. This would be the first time they would see each other since the divorce. Well, they danced, they got cozy when the memories surfaced and wound up in bed. She left the day and after she got back home in California she realized not only had she slept with her ex, she was now carrying his baby. She went to see him at a conference he was attending to drum up business for his lodge and told him. He convinced her she needed to come to Alaska to let him take care of her
**
Matt Caldwell has tried different occupations and quiting within a year. He has never found a job that he loves. After he quit his accounting job his wife decided she couldn't take it anymore left him the following morning and then quickly applied for divorce. Even though it had been 18 months since the divorce Matt still loved her. When Karen arrives in Hard Luck to be the maid of honor at Matt's sister's wedding one thing leads to another and a month later when she is back home she finds out that she is pregnant. Then the story continues and other peoples stories and intermingled throughout the story to lead you to the final two books of this series
Because of the Baby is a novella about husband and wife trying to patch things up...Karen Caldwell, divorced her husband. Thinking he's being just as childish as before. Switching careers, spending his entire inheritance, Bethany is worried he's just like her father. But Matt Caldwell is nothing like Karen's dad. Instead, he's just trying to find the career he wants and will enjoy doing. Neither one expected him to finally find his calling. Then, there's their marriage on the line. Matt is doing everything he can to win back Karen's hand in marriage. However, there's also a tiny surprise that might just be the fix they needed to bring them closer. A baby does wonders...
**
This is part of the Midnight Sons series. It takes place in hard Luck, Alaska and in this book Matt Caldwell has used his inheritance to buy a run down lodge with the intention of fixing it up and turning it into a destination vacation place. His wife had left and divorced him a couple of years ago after 4 years of marriage and the way he jumped from job to job. She couldn't handle the insecurity the way he jumped from job to job. His sister is getting married and since his ex (Karen) was close to his sister she was at the wedding. This would be the first time they would see each other since the divorce. Well, they danced, they got cozy when the memories surfaced and wound up in bed. She left the day and after she got back home in California she realized not only had she slept with her ex, she was now carrying his baby. She went to see him at a conference he was attending to drum up business for his lodge and told him. He convinced her she needed to come to Alaska to let him take care of her
**
Matt Caldwell has tried different occupations and quiting within a year. He has never found a job that he loves. After he quit his accounting job his wife decided she couldn't take it anymore left him the following morning and then quickly applied for divorce. Even though it had been 18 months since the divorce Matt still loved her. When Karen arrives in Hard Luck to be the maid of honor at Matt's sister's wedding one thing leads to another and a month later when she is back home she finds out that she is pregnant. Then the story continues and other peoples stories and intermingled throughout the story to lead you to the final two books of this series
December 17, 2020
Karen and Matt have been divorced for almost 2 years when she agrees to be the maid of honor in his sister's wedding in Alaska. They drink too much at the reception and end up sleeping together, but agree that nothing can come of it, and Karen returns to her new life in California. Weeks later a doctor confirms that Karen is pregnant. Karen tells her ex-sister-in-law who urges her to tell Matt. Matt comes to California on business, looking for investors for the Alaskan lodge he has renovated and is trying to make into a big tourist destination. Karen meets Matt for dinner and tells him that she's pregnant. Matt is obviously shocked so his response isn't romantic or emotional the way Karen envisioned. She gets pissed and bolts and he has to chase her down and convince her to come back to Alaska. Karen agrees to move back to Alaska for her pregnancy, but not to start a relationship with Matt.
It's revealed that they were divorced after Karen left him. She didn't like that Matt had four jobs in as many years and didn't seem to know what he wanted to do with his life. Karen was ready to be settled and had emotional baggage from growing up with a father who was constantly in and out of a job. She thinks Matt's lodge is another passing whim, but once she sees that it's truly his life's work, she's able to forgive him for the past.
Matt tries to 'woo' Karen into marrying him again by taking her on a camping trip. They have an awful time, Matt yells at Karen, she cries, and he basically tells her to just leave since she's done it before. They REALLY suck at communication still. In the end, Karen is waiting for her plane to arrive so she can leave when Matt shows up pushing her further away. Karen gets really emotional and admits that she never wants to leave him again.
I didn't like this book because there were too many side stories. Matt and Karen are clearly still not in the position to get remarried and have a lot more issues to work through. I didn't enjoy them as a couple and I didn't enjoy their characters separately either.
It's revealed that they were divorced after Karen left him. She didn't like that Matt had four jobs in as many years and didn't seem to know what he wanted to do with his life. Karen was ready to be settled and had emotional baggage from growing up with a father who was constantly in and out of a job. She thinks Matt's lodge is another passing whim, but once she sees that it's truly his life's work, she's able to forgive him for the past.
Matt tries to 'woo' Karen into marrying him again by taking her on a camping trip. They have an awful time, Matt yells at Karen, she cries, and he basically tells her to just leave since she's done it before. They REALLY suck at communication still. In the end, Karen is waiting for her plane to arrive so she can leave when Matt shows up pushing her further away. Karen gets really emotional and admits that she never wants to leave him again.
I didn't like this book because there were too many side stories. Matt and Karen are clearly still not in the position to get remarried and have a lot more issues to work through. I didn't enjoy them as a couple and I didn't enjoy their characters separately either.
February 23, 2020
This was my least favorite of all the books in this series-- mainly because I really, really didn't like Karen. I didn't understand her, although I tried very hard to relate to her (and Macomber did a fantastic job explaining her "why," even though I just didn't buy it). Matt I liked, and I found immense pleasure in his quest to learn how to woo his ex-wife, but I often found myself hoping he'd just find someone else.
Of course, being deeply involved with these characters at this point in the series, I wasn't about to stop reading, and still found plenty to enjoy outside of the main storyline.
If you've read the other books in the series, don't skip this one, but if you haven't read the others, do that first!
Of course, being deeply involved with these characters at this point in the series, I wasn't about to stop reading, and still found plenty to enjoy outside of the main storyline.
If you've read the other books in the series, don't skip this one, but if you haven't read the others, do that first!
May 8, 2023
"Because of the Baby" is the story of Karen and Matt.
So we've heard of this couple for many books, and we finally get their story.
The hero and heroine divorced after their marriage of four years failed. The reason: the heroine got tired of the hero's impulsiveness, and that mixed with her past insecurities made her leave.
They meet again at his sister's wedding, have a drunken one night stand that results in a pregnancy, and he finds out. How they navigate through their emotions and rediscover a lost love forms the story.
Honestly this would have been rated higher but at one point the heroine started annoying me. The hero tried his level best, but all she did was belittle him, chastise him and not get his POV. I needed more grovel from her.
Safe
3/5
So we've heard of this couple for many books, and we finally get their story.
The hero and heroine divorced after their marriage of four years failed. The reason: the heroine got tired of the hero's impulsiveness, and that mixed with her past insecurities made her leave.
They meet again at his sister's wedding, have a drunken one night stand that results in a pregnancy, and he finds out. How they navigate through their emotions and rediscover a lost love forms the story.
Honestly this would have been rated higher but at one point the heroine started annoying me. The hero tried his level best, but all she did was belittle him, chastise him and not get his POV. I needed more grovel from her.
Safe
3/5
January 8, 2018
Because of the Baby is a novella about husband and wife trying to patch things up...Karen Caldwell, divorced her husband. Thinking he's being just as childish as before. Switching careers, spending his entire inheritance, Bethany is worried he's just like her father. But Matt Caldwell is nothing like Karen's dad. Instead, he's just trying to find the career he wants and will enjoy doing. Neither one expected him to finally find his calling. Then, there's their marriage on the line. Matt is doing everything he can to win back Karen's hand in marriage. However, there's also a tiny surprise that might just be the fix they needed to bring them closer. A baby does wonders...
November 10, 2017
Good read. Liked the story flow. Liked the characters and reading their individual struggles and how they work through them. This is a tough problem when a baby is involved and there are two stubborn parents. Fun reading the back and forth issues between characters and finally realizing it was always love. Always a pleasure to read this author. Would recommend this book.
January 1, 2018
Love Debbie Macomber's series of Midnight Sons! This one was equally hard to put down. Matt and his ex wife, Karen, are expecting a baby together. They agree to live with one another on the terms that it's just until the baby is due then Karen plans to move back to California. Matt however plans to woo his ex back to his good graces.
December 21, 2022
Another continuation of the Midnight Sons Series. Growing the town of Hard Luck, Alaska with new characters and weaving them in with the existing characters from the other books. Intriguing and wanting to know what happens next in the lives in this small community that is slowly growing in population. Delightful, sometimes, comical and definitely heart-warming!
May 10, 2024
It was ok, but wouldn't want to re-read.
IMO they would not have gotten back together if she wasn't pregnant. He was pretty determined to not see her again after she rejected him last time he saw her. She didn't want to see him or tell him she was pregnant. I do believe they really loved each other, but they were both pretty stubborn. P.
IMO they would not have gotten back together if she wasn't pregnant. He was pretty determined to not see her again after she rejected him last time he saw her. She didn't want to see him or tell him she was pregnant. I do believe they really loved each other, but they were both pretty stubborn. P.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2018
As a divorced couple, I'd been routing for their reunion for a while. This story was appealing as it brought things back together and seemed to have somewhat of a reasonable character development to explain their getting back together.
June 17, 2019
I didn't like the main plot or one of the main characters. I didn't approve of some of the things the characters did in this book. I would have preferred to have a different story for those characters.
June 25, 2019
Matt Caldwell has been divorced for 2 years but he still loves his wife, Karen and she loves him.
She comes to Hard Luck to be brides maid for his sister Lanni's wedding. He wants to get her back but she said no. They did have a night of remembering and it had some consequences. Loved this one.
She comes to Hard Luck to be brides maid for his sister Lanni's wedding. He wants to get her back but she said no. They did have a night of remembering and it had some consequences. Loved this one.
March 25, 2021
These short stories are great. I love getting to know all the characters in Hard Luck Alaska. Yet another pair matches and the hint of a new pairing for the next story. This was a quick read. Tomorrow I’ll start volume 3 of the Midnight Sons series.
June 9, 2021
Matt doesn't trust Karen to stay. Understandable since she left once before. Poor Mariah; she gets twisted when Christian is around. He is always angry around her. I believe he loves her but doesn't want to admit it even to himself.
February 13, 2023
The Answer is in Hard Luck
Matt and Karen had a rocky four years that ended in a divorce. Could they out their marriage back together, make it work because they love each other or would Matt walk away from the Lodge? Read and find out.
Matt and Karen had a rocky four years that ended in a divorce. Could they out their marriage back together, make it work because they love each other or would Matt walk away from the Lodge? Read and find out.
July 12, 2025
I enjoyed this book, but I felt like the ending was a little rushed. Matt and Karen didn’t really talk about their problems. I enjoyed reading about the other couples more. I am looking forward to the next book with Christian and Moriah.
August 2, 2017
Another cute story
This series of books is a nice change from other genre reading. I can always count on a Macomber book to relax me.
This series of books is a nice change from other genre reading. I can always count on a Macomber book to relax me.
November 11, 2017
vacation read
March 10, 2019
There were a few too many ups and downs with Matt and Karen. Seems that they were not right for each other but it was enjoyable thru the mess of their lives.
May 18, 2019
I love Debbie Macomber and the characters and towns she creates.This was a quick read, and I enjoy Hard Luck Alaska and the people who live there.
May 24, 2019
So i just read this and the drama in this book is way better then the last one without it being a total downer so it was really uplifting too.
July 24, 2019
I loved every moment
September 4, 2019
This book has most of the same characters as the last three. Good story.
November 25, 2019
See vol 2 review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews