Once Upon a Family

Fostered by Love #1

by Margaret Daley

As the local high school principal, Peter Stoneknew troubled student Sean Williams neededhis expert assistance. And as a Christian, Peterknew God was leading him to help. Yet it wasthe boy's mother who captured Peter's notice.

Laura, a widow caring for her four childrenand ailing aunt, had no time for romance orreligion. Somehow, despite her protests, Laurafound herself and her brood frequent visitorsto Peter's ranch and the church he attended. Soon it seemed her family was meant tocomplete Peter's life.

Genres: Love Inspired, Christian Romance, Contemporary Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian, Romance

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 1, 2007

About the author

Margaret Daley, an award-winning author of seventy-six books, has been married for over forty years and is a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn’t traveling, she’s writing love stories, often with a suspense thread and corralling her three cats that think they rule her household. To find out more about Margaret visit her website at http://www.margaretdaley.com.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad for a paperback romance.

[Melody Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book and series a few years ago and failed to review. I have thought of it many time over the years but couldn't remember the name.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It's family oriented, and since I'm a momma, that's what I'm into. It's about a widow and her four kids who move in with her aged aunt in a new town after she (the widow) had to go through bankruptcy because of her late husband's gambling debts. It's about the struggles she goes through while raising her kids and trying to keep her sanity. As an added bonus, her oldest son's principal becomes interested in her. It also is about the widow's relationship with God as she struggles to understand why all these things are happening to her. Certainly this book is a 180 degree turn from the Dean Koontz and John Grisham novels I usually read, but it really is a nice book that appeals to mommas.

[Dorel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this previously in book called FINDING LOVE 💘 AGAIN. I loved ❤ this book's storyline. This book's storyline was heart breaking 💔. I loved ❤ the Christian theme in this story. I loved ❤ Peter's character. I loved ❤ Laura's character. I loved ❤ the kids. I loved ❤ the ending. Awesome job Ms. Daley.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a former foster parent who adopted her foster daughter, I assumed I would like this series which centers around foster care, but I didn't just like this first book, I loved it! Margaret Daley has written a story that is sweet,but yet has lots of depth to it. She obviously knows a great deal about the emotions foster children deal with, and the varied ways that unexpressed anger shows itself. Within the course of the story Ms. Daley deals with foster care, divorce, the healing qualities of animals, romance, grieving, romance, dreams, faith in God, and dealing with anger appropriately, but yet the story is inspiring, not depressing. Luckily I have books two, three, and four in this series; I'll just have to hope I can find book five, as I can't wait to read them!!!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not usually a romance reader. This book had a splash of romance, but drew me in because I love kids, and the foster system holds a special place in my heart. Now i have an entire series to read! Great 1st book...look forward to the rest!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I was reminded that the best way to handle problems in our lives is to turn them over to God and let Him handle them for us. It works, if we just do it!

[Olean Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

-A very nice love story.

[Dianne Sidebottom · Rating 4 out of 5]

ebook from the library and going through Margaret's books. Peter n Laura's story. I met the characters previously in the series so it was a matter of catching up in how Stone's Refuge evolved. Some of the story was close to home and a reminder not to keep things to yourself but speak out so the power lessons its hold. God is big enough to handle our hurt, brokenness, anger, grief, pain, joy and tears.

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite book by this author.

[Pam A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, sweet, comfort reading. Rom com with kids and busy body old ladies. And animals. Enjoyable.

[Honeybee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normally, I shy away from romance novels--especially the kind you read in monthly paperbacks. "Chick porn," I call it, since these novels typically induce women to long for what they don't have--much like girlie magazines and X-rated movies do for a man.

However, Margaret Daley is not that kind of writer. This book is a good example of why.

When a newly widowed woman and a divorced man meet regarding her son's behavior at school, neither Laura Williams nor Peter Stone imagine they could ever be more than reluctant acquaintances. But their concern for others and a love of animals forges a bond that deepens, even as old wounds are re-opened. Each learns to trust God, trust each other and forgive those who hurt them in the past. A family is healed and a new one is formed, as life-long dreams are realized.

Margaret deals with the issues of abuse, foster care, marital infidelity, childlessness and suicide--all in the same small volume. An easy read, but with surprising depth. Keep a tissue box handy!

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clean, easy to read Christian romance. Centers on family and the Lord and is written well.

[Grace]

niceeeeeeeeeeeee touching story

[Darlene Torday]

Loved this book. Good characters and a believeable plot kept me rushing to finish the book

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Principal Peter Stone meets widow Laura Williams through her sons misdeeds. Can he help the family that just moved to town?

[Lynnea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good easy read. Predictable in some regards but interesting how it gets there.

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Fostered By Love

[Carol & Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was hard to put down.