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Starting Over: A Father by Choice
If you are looking for a story with unexpected plot twists, an intriguing mystery, moments of nail-biting danger, and a teenage love in need of mending, this award-winning book is for you. Literary Titan called it, "a captivating and enjoyable read, deftly combining elements of romance and drama with a realistic portrayal of life's unexpected twists and the enduring power of love."
Wanda Marlow and Randy Sullivan fell in love when they were young teens, both involved in the volunteer fire and rescue company of their remote valley home in Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains. They are sure their relationship as a forever couple will survive being apart while Randy pursues a carpentry apprenticeship out of state and Wanda goes away to college. However, at the end of her freshman year, Wanda comes back to their Hidden Valley home pregnant and holding onto a big secret about the father of her child.
Wanda feels shame over the circumstances of her son’s conception and blames herself for betraying their love. She keeps trying to push Randy away, but they have never stopped loving each other. When her son Carter is only three months old, Wanda and Randy agree to start over as a couple, but the secret still lies between them.
Randy’s greatest fear is having Carter’s father show up one day to claim the child he has come to love as his own. As Carter grows, he begins to ask questions about his father. Once the secret begins to hurt Carter, Wanda and Randy know the truth must be revealed. But what is the truth? Is it what Wanda believes? Or is it something entirely different? Their search for the truth leads them on a path to solve an unexpected mystery about Carter’s biological father.
Carter becomes convinced that Paws, his pup since they were both babies, can help solve the mystery. In a drama-filled scene, Paws must help Randy rescue the nine-year-old from the danger he finds himself in as a result of that belief.
Told against the backdrop of the Hidden Valley Fire & Rescue company, this story is filled with a unique cast of characters you will come to love and want to visit again. This closed-door romance is more than just a happily-ever-after love story. It’s a story of family and friendship, community and compassion, and finding strength to overcome personal trauma.
You can read this book as a stand-alone, but you will enjoy a richer experience by reading the books in the Hidden Valley Fire & Rescue series in the order published.
Wanda Marlow and Randy Sullivan fell in love when they were young teens, both involved in the volunteer fire and rescue company of their remote valley home in Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains. They are sure their relationship as a forever couple will survive being apart while Randy pursues a carpentry apprenticeship out of state and Wanda goes away to college. However, at the end of her freshman year, Wanda comes back to their Hidden Valley home pregnant and holding onto a big secret about the father of her child.
Wanda feels shame over the circumstances of her son’s conception and blames herself for betraying their love. She keeps trying to push Randy away, but they have never stopped loving each other. When her son Carter is only three months old, Wanda and Randy agree to start over as a couple, but the secret still lies between them.
Randy’s greatest fear is having Carter’s father show up one day to claim the child he has come to love as his own. As Carter grows, he begins to ask questions about his father. Once the secret begins to hurt Carter, Wanda and Randy know the truth must be revealed. But what is the truth? Is it what Wanda believes? Or is it something entirely different? Their search for the truth leads them on a path to solve an unexpected mystery about Carter’s biological father.
Carter becomes convinced that Paws, his pup since they were both babies, can help solve the mystery. In a drama-filled scene, Paws must help Randy rescue the nine-year-old from the danger he finds himself in as a result of that belief.
Told against the backdrop of the Hidden Valley Fire & Rescue company, this story is filled with a unique cast of characters you will come to love and want to visit again. This closed-door romance is more than just a happily-ever-after love story. It’s a story of family and friendship, community and compassion, and finding strength to overcome personal trauma.
You can read this book as a stand-alone, but you will enjoy a richer experience by reading the books in the Hidden Valley Fire & Rescue series in the order published.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 20, 2024
Enjoyable Read
Nice story about nice people in a nice community. I look forward to the next story about this community and it's residents.
Nice story about nice people in a nice community. I look forward to the next story about this community and it's residents.
April 25, 2024
In Starting Over, a Father by Choice by Ann Heap, readers are drawn into the lives of Wanda and Randy, a couple whose longstanding relationship since their teenage years faces its toughest test. Heap intricately explores the dynamics of love and commitment through the lens of this pivotal incident that promises to either solidify or unravel their bond.
Wanda, traditionally a diligent and sensible individual, finds herself at a crossroads after a transformative event, prompting readers to ponder the resilience of her character and the future of her relationship. Randy's enduring affection for Wanda is portrayed with depth, challenging him to redefine acceptance and support in the face of unforeseen changes. Heap crafts a cast of well-rounded characters, from Wanda's blend of intelligence and vulnerability to Randy's unwavering support. Additionally, Carter adds a touch of charm and spontaneity, while Tillie emerges as a wise and enigmatic figure whose timely interventions often carry a touch of mystique.
The narrative balances light and dark tones effectively, ensuring a compelling read. Dramatic turns, such as a character's sudden disappearance, are handled with a flair that grips the reader. The portrayal of firefighters weaves in a layer of heroism and sacrifice, enriching the storyline with a realistic glimpse into their courageous lives and the personal stakes involved in their profession. Heap also addresses the complex theme of adoption with sensitivity and insight, providing a thoughtful commentary on its challenges and emotional journey.
Starting Over, a Father by Choice is a captivating and enjoyable read, deftly combining elements of romance and drama with a realistic portrayal of life's unexpected twists and the enduring power of love.
Wanda, traditionally a diligent and sensible individual, finds herself at a crossroads after a transformative event, prompting readers to ponder the resilience of her character and the future of her relationship. Randy's enduring affection for Wanda is portrayed with depth, challenging him to redefine acceptance and support in the face of unforeseen changes. Heap crafts a cast of well-rounded characters, from Wanda's blend of intelligence and vulnerability to Randy's unwavering support. Additionally, Carter adds a touch of charm and spontaneity, while Tillie emerges as a wise and enigmatic figure whose timely interventions often carry a touch of mystique.
The narrative balances light and dark tones effectively, ensuring a compelling read. Dramatic turns, such as a character's sudden disappearance, are handled with a flair that grips the reader. The portrayal of firefighters weaves in a layer of heroism and sacrifice, enriching the storyline with a realistic glimpse into their courageous lives and the personal stakes involved in their profession. Heap also addresses the complex theme of adoption with sensitivity and insight, providing a thoughtful commentary on its challenges and emotional journey.
Starting Over, a Father by Choice is a captivating and enjoyable read, deftly combining elements of romance and drama with a realistic portrayal of life's unexpected twists and the enduring power of love.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews