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Daniel's Gift
RITA Award Winner - Best Contemporary Romance - Romance Writers of America (Originally published by Avon Books)
Reckless Youth ...
In her impetuous summer of love, Jenny St. Claire found Luke Sheridan -- her dashing knight in intern's scrubs. But a fast-track future and rigid, ambitious parents drove passion out of Luke's life. And the summer ended, leaving Jenny with a broken heart... and a beautiful son, Danny, to help mend it.
Love Reclaimed ...
Years later it is tragedy that reunites them -- the father whom a son longs to know, and the mother who has tried desperately to forget. And as Luke and Jenny struggle to ignore the pain and desire reborn in a look and a touch, only the remarkable courage of a young boy -- and the help of a rather unorthodox guardian angel -- can offer them the most precious gift of all: a second chance at the love of a lifetime.
Reviews:
"A warm, moving story of the power of love." Debbie Macomber
"Wonderful story, wonderful cast -- this is a do-not-miss reading experience." Rendezvous Magazine
"Barbara Freethy brings a tender poignancy to mainstream romantic fiction." Romantic Times
"The depth is incredible, the minds of the characters (and there are quite a few) delightful. Clearly a hit!" Heartland Critiques
"Exceptional. I couldn't put it down!" The Time Machine Newsletter
"The lead players are excellent and the support cast superb ... Kudos to Barbara Freethy for a first class reading experience." Affaire de Coeur
Reckless Youth ...
In her impetuous summer of love, Jenny St. Claire found Luke Sheridan -- her dashing knight in intern's scrubs. But a fast-track future and rigid, ambitious parents drove passion out of Luke's life. And the summer ended, leaving Jenny with a broken heart... and a beautiful son, Danny, to help mend it.
Love Reclaimed ...
Years later it is tragedy that reunites them -- the father whom a son longs to know, and the mother who has tried desperately to forget. And as Luke and Jenny struggle to ignore the pain and desire reborn in a look and a touch, only the remarkable courage of a young boy -- and the help of a rather unorthodox guardian angel -- can offer them the most precious gift of all: a second chance at the love of a lifetime.
Reviews:
"A warm, moving story of the power of love." Debbie Macomber
"Wonderful story, wonderful cast -- this is a do-not-miss reading experience." Rendezvous Magazine
"Barbara Freethy brings a tender poignancy to mainstream romantic fiction." Romantic Times
"The depth is incredible, the minds of the characters (and there are quite a few) delightful. Clearly a hit!" Heartland Critiques
"Exceptional. I couldn't put it down!" The Time Machine Newsletter
"The lead players are excellent and the support cast superb ... Kudos to Barbara Freethy for a first class reading experience." Affaire de Coeur
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First published March 1, 1996
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About the author
Barbara Freethy
152 books2,691 followersBarbara's love of writing developed out of a love of reading. Growing up in an all-boy neighborhood, she spent quite a bit of time reading through her mother's large library, many of which were romantic novels. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, she went into Public Relations, but soon discovered that writing was her true passion.
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
January 4, 2012
Did not finish
Awful plot and unsympathetic characters! I was so disgusted by all the melodrama and pathetic characters in this book. It got to the point where I couldn't bring myself to finish the last few chapters of this story.
The hero is selfish, egotistical, and a poor excuse of a man. He gets the heroine pregnant right before heading off to college, tells her his goals are more important, and gives her $500 for an abortion. Wow! What a keeper. Not! Fast forward 13 years and he's become a rich, powerful doctor who now wants kids. The problem? His current wife doesn't want them. Why he becomes upset with her I'll never understand. He told her before they were married he didn't want kids.
Anyway, I'm sure you can guess what happens next. Yep! He now wants to play daddy to the son (that he just found out about) he didn't want. Here's the kicker, the hero actually has the gull to be mad at the heroine for keeping the fact she had the baby from him. WTF?!
The heroine isn't much better. She is weak, whiney, and a huge drama queen. She's upset and doesn't want anything to do with the hero, but she still has feeling for him and is beyond attracted to him. Oh, and he's the only one who has been able to truly see into her soul. He's her soul mate. So pathetic! These two actually deserve each other!
I've never read a book that I truly hated. That's changed. I can safely say that I HATE this book.
Awful plot and unsympathetic characters! I was so disgusted by all the melodrama and pathetic characters in this book. It got to the point where I couldn't bring myself to finish the last few chapters of this story.
The hero is selfish, egotistical, and a poor excuse of a man. He gets the heroine pregnant right before heading off to college, tells her his goals are more important, and gives her $500 for an abortion. Wow! What a keeper. Not! Fast forward 13 years and he's become a rich, powerful doctor who now wants kids. The problem? His current wife doesn't want them. Why he becomes upset with her I'll never understand. He told her before they were married he didn't want kids.
Anyway, I'm sure you can guess what happens next. Yep! He now wants to play daddy to the son (that he just found out about) he didn't want. Here's the kicker, the hero actually has the gull to be mad at the heroine for keeping the fact she had the baby from him. WTF?!
The heroine isn't much better. She is weak, whiney, and a huge drama queen. She's upset and doesn't want anything to do with the hero, but she still has feeling for him and is beyond attracted to him. Oh, and he's the only one who has been able to truly see into her soul. He's her soul mate. So pathetic! These two actually deserve each other!
I've never read a book that I truly hated. That's changed. I can safely say that I HATE this book.
December 17, 2017
17 libro del #RetoRita. Se me ha hecho muy cuesta arriba esta historia de segundas oportunidades que no puede ser más ñoña. Por momentos, me parecía estar en un episodio de Carretera al cielo, esa cursi serie de Michael Landon. Y ¿qué decir de la traducción? Llena de erratas e incorrecciones lingüísticas, que han acabado por ponerme de peor humor que la trama en si. Totalmente olvidable.
February 3, 2017
#RetoRita
2,5
Se me ha hecho cuesta arriba, la verdad. La traducción me ha resultado horrenda, ha hecho que ni me atrapase la historia, ni me conmoviera y es una pena.
Es una historia sencilla y previsible, en la que un hecho trágico hace que varias personas tengan una segunda oportunidad. Tiene una parte de fantasía que se me ha hecho demasiado....larga.
No la he disfrutado nada y todo por la traducción (igual son manías mías, pero me ha parecido una traducción tremendamente mala)
2,5
Se me ha hecho cuesta arriba, la verdad. La traducción me ha resultado horrenda, ha hecho que ni me atrapase la historia, ni me conmoviera y es una pena.
Es una historia sencilla y previsible, en la que un hecho trágico hace que varias personas tengan una segunda oportunidad. Tiene una parte de fantasía que se me ha hecho demasiado....larga.
No la he disfrutado nada y todo por la traducción (igual son manías mías, pero me ha parecido una traducción tremendamente mala)
November 4, 2017
(12ª lectura del #RetoRita)
Otro premio RITA (Mejor Romance Contemporáneo 1997) que no entiendo, y confieso que he acabado haciendo una lectura en diagonal de la novela. Después de leer una tercera parte ya he visto que no se acerca en absoluto a mis preferencias. Demasiada paja, demasiado drama, demasiado moralizante y muy poco amor de pareja, amor romántico. Pero lo que menos me atrae (en cualquier novela) es que se utilice a los niños como elemento lacrimógeno, y aquí la autora se regodea en eso. Aunque intente dotar de positivismo al inmenso drama que supone para una madre ver a su hijo en coma durante días, al borde de la muerte, a mí, como madre que soy, me disgusta profundamente y no me emociona lo más mínimo. Además, literariamente me parece un recurso fácil.
Dejando aparte la traducción en castellano latinoamericano, al que me cuesta acostumbrarme (no lo critico, es solo una falta de costumbre que me distancia de la historia que leo) el desarrollo de la historia me ha parecido lento, ñoño, sin interés, previsible al cien por cien. Originalidad cero: el tema del espíritu que se separa del cuerpo para ayudar a los que aún siguen en la Tierra ya lo hemos visto en “Ojalá fuera cierto” de Marc Levy o en la película “Ghost” de Patrick Swayze. Es difícil superar estas dos obras. El del accidente repentino que te hace reflexionar sobre la vida y te la cambia de repente, en “Accidente” de Danielle Steel.
Se nos vende la novela como una historia de segundas oportunidades, y lo es, desde luego, pero no como a mí me gustan, ya que la infidelidad planea constantemente sobre la pareja protagonista de un modo que a él lo convierte en un personaje anodino, blando y bastante desagradable. Ella, como personaje literario tampoco tiene nada especial. Todo un plantel de secundarios, la mayoría poco felices, contribuyen a que la novela sea deprimente, y ni siquiera el final, tan lánguido y desapasionado, consigue arreglar este despropósito. Creo que si la historia hubiera terminado mal podría haber sido una novela decente dentro del género de narrativa, pero como novela romántica deja mucho que desear, pues salvo ese “final feliz”, tiene muy poco amor de pareja. No la recomiendo a las lectoras de romántica, ni siquiera a las que os gusten los dramas.
Otro premio RITA (Mejor Romance Contemporáneo 1997) que no entiendo, y confieso que he acabado haciendo una lectura en diagonal de la novela. Después de leer una tercera parte ya he visto que no se acerca en absoluto a mis preferencias. Demasiada paja, demasiado drama, demasiado moralizante y muy poco amor de pareja, amor romántico. Pero lo que menos me atrae (en cualquier novela) es que se utilice a los niños como elemento lacrimógeno, y aquí la autora se regodea en eso. Aunque intente dotar de positivismo al inmenso drama que supone para una madre ver a su hijo en coma durante días, al borde de la muerte, a mí, como madre que soy, me disgusta profundamente y no me emociona lo más mínimo. Además, literariamente me parece un recurso fácil.
Dejando aparte la traducción en castellano latinoamericano, al que me cuesta acostumbrarme (no lo critico, es solo una falta de costumbre que me distancia de la historia que leo) el desarrollo de la historia me ha parecido lento, ñoño, sin interés, previsible al cien por cien. Originalidad cero: el tema del espíritu que se separa del cuerpo para ayudar a los que aún siguen en la Tierra ya lo hemos visto en “Ojalá fuera cierto” de Marc Levy o en la película “Ghost” de Patrick Swayze. Es difícil superar estas dos obras. El del accidente repentino que te hace reflexionar sobre la vida y te la cambia de repente, en “Accidente” de Danielle Steel.
Se nos vende la novela como una historia de segundas oportunidades, y lo es, desde luego, pero no como a mí me gustan, ya que la infidelidad planea constantemente sobre la pareja protagonista de un modo que a él lo convierte en un personaje anodino, blando y bastante desagradable. Ella, como personaje literario tampoco tiene nada especial. Todo un plantel de secundarios, la mayoría poco felices, contribuyen a que la novela sea deprimente, y ni siquiera el final, tan lánguido y desapasionado, consigue arreglar este despropósito. Creo que si la historia hubiera terminado mal podría haber sido una novela decente dentro del género de narrativa, pero como novela romántica deja mucho que desear, pues salvo ese “final feliz”, tiene muy poco amor de pareja. No la recomiendo a las lectoras de romántica, ni siquiera a las que os gusten los dramas.
August 21, 2017
#retorita
No sé si ha sido por la traducción pero la lectura, demasiado previsible y de serie B, me ha aburrido soberanamente, no había trama, nada de intensidad, personajes planos, demasiado perfectos a veces, y todo rodeado de cierto tono de sueño americano. Narrativa demasiado sencilla y anodina, historia bonita en su conjunto pero carente de base e interés en su desarrollo.
No la recomiendo en absoluto aunque puedo entender que este tipo de historias le gusten a alguien. Le he puesto una estrella porque la traducción no se merece nada más. Si no fuera por eso supongo que tendría dos estrellas. La traducción es tan mala que no merece la pena leer esta historia. Todavía sigo sin entender el premio que le dieron.
https://millibrosenmibiblioteca.blogs...
No sé si ha sido por la traducción pero la lectura, demasiado previsible y de serie B, me ha aburrido soberanamente, no había trama, nada de intensidad, personajes planos, demasiado perfectos a veces, y todo rodeado de cierto tono de sueño americano. Narrativa demasiado sencilla y anodina, historia bonita en su conjunto pero carente de base e interés en su desarrollo.
No la recomiendo en absoluto aunque puedo entender que este tipo de historias le gusten a alguien. Le he puesto una estrella porque la traducción no se merece nada más. Si no fuera por eso supongo que tendría dos estrellas. La traducción es tan mala que no merece la pena leer esta historia. Todavía sigo sin entender el premio que le dieron.
https://millibrosenmibiblioteca.blogs...
January 29, 2017
#Reto Rita.
¡¡Menuda decepción!!!!. No tengo ni idea de como comentar éste libro, de verdad.
Se me ha hecho cuesta arriba, he pasado capítulos enteros, y ha llegado un momento que he pensado en dejarlo.
Le doy 1 estrella, porque ha habido situaciones que me han parecido bonitas, sin más.
¡¡Menuda decepción!!!!. No tengo ni idea de como comentar éste libro, de verdad.
Se me ha hecho cuesta arriba, he pasado capítulos enteros, y ha llegado un momento que he pensado en dejarlo.
Le doy 1 estrella, porque ha habido situaciones que me han parecido bonitas, sin más.
July 8, 2011
ohh dear another disappointed book,i was dying to read this one also but again i was so so disappointed by it
the story is actually good a kid Danny wants to know his father and goes to meet him and gets hit by a car and that brings his mother-father face-to-face after 13 years and from there starts the journey of past n present,realising their mistakes the decisions that cost them so much and finally making a way to get their HEA
I did'nt liked the hero Luke at all,he is too much of a coward,his reaction to the pregnancy and asking abortion for his own child,he has no hesitation in giving money to kill his child i just cannot forgive it,if you had your goals n plans laid out clear and knew a marriage,child,love never came into equation why the hell did you not keep your pants zipped,and after 13 years he even has a face to ask for parental rights and even going to threat at one point he ask DNA n will sue Jenny,i know he regrets his actions and decision he took at that time
One thing that completely ruined the story for me was Luke was married to Dennis through the story only at the end they agree on divorce,Luke knows he does not love Dennis and when Jenny comes into picture he completely realises his feelings for respective woman,Dennis he cares for her and Jenny he loves her but never did he once initiated the divorce and through the story he spent time with Jenny,kissing her,going to dinners and beaches,in my eyes this is cheating,least Luke should have the decency to come out clean with Dennis and then go ahead with Jenny,even after realising his feelings never did once he thought to end the marriage,he kept misleading Dennis sometimes his gulit got in the way and sometimes he himself did'nt know later he also realises he has married a replica of his mother but then also nope he never thinks of ending the marriage,he knows Dennis has cheated on him last year and also got Tube Ligation in secret,he is angry and when he comes to know he has a kid i guess then it did'nt mattered much cause he wanted to be father and he is a father now
Dennis isn't exactly blameless she is proud to be Luke's wife cause he is rich,famous and can fulfill her dreams n demands,i understand when these two got married both did'nt wanted children and Luke changed and now he was changing rules but still she does'nt ask for divorce for her selfish reason but at the end when Dennis realises its over,she has her share of mistakes and cheating but least she has courage she comes out clean and asks for divorce and even then Luke says so many things for happening may be we should wait go to counselling,Dennis says no its over and asks her share of alimony which is half what he has and leaves
Jenny she is strong character,her mistake in all this was she knew that when she met Luke he kept telling he will be leaving and he can't promise anything but still she kept going forward with him and fell in love with him and when he dumps her she realises her mistake,and by the time she makes the pros n cons list its too late she cannot have abortion but i can forgive her cause though she was scared like anything but when the child came she loves him and gave him good nurturing and gave him everything a child should have,when Luke comes back and tries to turn up blame on her she stands up and gives it back to him and then she also realises may be she should have contacted Luke and let him know she had given birth ,she never aborted the child then if he still rejected then its his decision and from then n there he has no rights over the child,cause of her pride n fear she did'nt let him know,later i felt she accepted Luke easily and forgives him too soon,her relationship with each siblings turn good and they are close again
Even other couple Merilee and Richard he cheats n rubs it in her face and i would have been happy if they would have divorced but they opt out go to counselling,Marilee is controlling that is her mistake and Richard he cheats cause he thinks Marilee does'nt care(ya right jerk give such stupid reason)
Matt he is a alcoholic man living in self-pity but he is only close to Danny and how his accident brings about change in his life,their father he was only there when he came around thanksgiving
The scenes between Luke-Jenny were good but if Luke had gotten divorced and then went ahead with Jenny i would have enjoyed their romance more,his being married and again n again Dennis being mentioned between them and it was always Jenny who stopped him and made him realise he has a wife and she does'nt wants to come in between them he clarifies she was never in between and there are other things already between them even before she came in his life and he came to know about Danny,then i m left confused as a reader why the hell is he in that marriage which is already over,why create complications in 4 life his,Dennis,Jenny and Danny
I gave 3 stars cause i liked Danny-Jacob(the guardian angle) all scenes,Jenny make amends with her family and how everyone from children to parents each one realise their mistakes and try to make amends,a accident that brought about so many changes and taught everyone a lesson,the ending seemed rushed for me suddenly when his parents realise they will never have another child cause of wht Dennis did they wanna see the child and wanna know their grandson but then Luke also stand up(i was like FINALLY!)and his parents realise their mistakes and mend fences
the end was good and kepy me glued where we are left to bite our nails with suspense what will happen whether Danny will make it or not,how Luke-Jenny both come together and realise and accept their share of mistakes from past and how everyone from Jenny's family to Luke's family come together
It was a okay read
the story is actually good a kid Danny wants to know his father and goes to meet him and gets hit by a car and that brings his mother-father face-to-face after 13 years and from there starts the journey of past n present,realising their mistakes the decisions that cost them so much and finally making a way to get their HEA
I did'nt liked the hero Luke at all,he is too much of a coward,his reaction to the pregnancy and asking abortion for his own child,he has no hesitation in giving money to kill his child i just cannot forgive it,if you had your goals n plans laid out clear and knew a marriage,child,love never came into equation why the hell did you not keep your pants zipped,and after 13 years he even has a face to ask for parental rights and even going to threat at one point he ask DNA n will sue Jenny,i know he regrets his actions and decision he took at that time
One thing that completely ruined the story for me was Luke was married to Dennis through the story only at the end they agree on divorce,Luke knows he does not love Dennis and when Jenny comes into picture he completely realises his feelings for respective woman,Dennis he cares for her and Jenny he loves her but never did he once initiated the divorce and through the story he spent time with Jenny,kissing her,going to dinners and beaches,in my eyes this is cheating,least Luke should have the decency to come out clean with Dennis and then go ahead with Jenny,even after realising his feelings never did once he thought to end the marriage,he kept misleading Dennis sometimes his gulit got in the way and sometimes he himself did'nt know later he also realises he has married a replica of his mother but then also nope he never thinks of ending the marriage,he knows Dennis has cheated on him last year and also got Tube Ligation in secret,he is angry and when he comes to know he has a kid i guess then it did'nt mattered much cause he wanted to be father and he is a father now
Dennis isn't exactly blameless she is proud to be Luke's wife cause he is rich,famous and can fulfill her dreams n demands,i understand when these two got married both did'nt wanted children and Luke changed and now he was changing rules but still she does'nt ask for divorce for her selfish reason but at the end when Dennis realises its over,she has her share of mistakes and cheating but least she has courage she comes out clean and asks for divorce and even then Luke says so many things for happening may be we should wait go to counselling,Dennis says no its over and asks her share of alimony which is half what he has and leaves
Jenny she is strong character,her mistake in all this was she knew that when she met Luke he kept telling he will be leaving and he can't promise anything but still she kept going forward with him and fell in love with him and when he dumps her she realises her mistake,and by the time she makes the pros n cons list its too late she cannot have abortion but i can forgive her cause though she was scared like anything but when the child came she loves him and gave him good nurturing and gave him everything a child should have,when Luke comes back and tries to turn up blame on her she stands up and gives it back to him and then she also realises may be she should have contacted Luke and let him know she had given birth ,she never aborted the child then if he still rejected then its his decision and from then n there he has no rights over the child,cause of her pride n fear she did'nt let him know,later i felt she accepted Luke easily and forgives him too soon,her relationship with each siblings turn good and they are close again
Even other couple Merilee and Richard he cheats n rubs it in her face and i would have been happy if they would have divorced but they opt out go to counselling,Marilee is controlling that is her mistake and Richard he cheats cause he thinks Marilee does'nt care(ya right jerk give such stupid reason)
Matt he is a alcoholic man living in self-pity but he is only close to Danny and how his accident brings about change in his life,their father he was only there when he came around thanksgiving
The scenes between Luke-Jenny were good but if Luke had gotten divorced and then went ahead with Jenny i would have enjoyed their romance more,his being married and again n again Dennis being mentioned between them and it was always Jenny who stopped him and made him realise he has a wife and she does'nt wants to come in between them he clarifies she was never in between and there are other things already between them even before she came in his life and he came to know about Danny,then i m left confused as a reader why the hell is he in that marriage which is already over,why create complications in 4 life his,Dennis,Jenny and Danny
I gave 3 stars cause i liked Danny-Jacob(the guardian angle) all scenes,Jenny make amends with her family and how everyone from children to parents each one realise their mistakes and try to make amends,a accident that brought about so many changes and taught everyone a lesson,the ending seemed rushed for me suddenly when his parents realise they will never have another child cause of wht Dennis did they wanna see the child and wanna know their grandson but then Luke also stand up(i was like FINALLY!)and his parents realise their mistakes and mend fences
the end was good and kepy me glued where we are left to bite our nails with suspense what will happen whether Danny will make it or not,how Luke-Jenny both come together and realise and accept their share of mistakes from past and how everyone from Jenny's family to Luke's family come together
It was a okay read
May 22, 2021
Why did I feel the need to reread this one?
Original review... Meh
Original review... Meh
August 23, 2013
Oh boy, what can I say. If this is a romance than it fails miserably because I couldn't see where any of the characters loved anyone but themselves.
Luke Sheridan and Jenny St. Claire share a passionate summer that ends disastrously when Jenny tells Luke she is pregnant. Luke was only looking for a casual fling before he headed off to medical school and a successful future that his parents had carefully carved out for him. So he gives Jenny $500 for an abortion and tells her to get lost. He follows his plans, succeeds and marries another woman. Someone that was definitely more suited to his lifestyle. Someone his parents could approve of and who would share his amoral values and ethics.
For me, nothing in the world could ever redeem this man. The fact that Jenny could find herself once again attracted to this vacuous individual, only lessened her in my eyes. The side relationships of her siblings just added to the morally bankrupt theme of the story. Even the heavenly aspects did very little to lift this depressing story. In fact, instead of providing an inspirational message, it came off as maudlin and corny.
1 star is actually being extremely generous. I would recommend a pass.
Luke Sheridan and Jenny St. Claire share a passionate summer that ends disastrously when Jenny tells Luke she is pregnant. Luke was only looking for a casual fling before he headed off to medical school and a successful future that his parents had carefully carved out for him. So he gives Jenny $500 for an abortion and tells her to get lost. He follows his plans, succeeds and marries another woman. Someone that was definitely more suited to his lifestyle. Someone his parents could approve of and who would share his amoral values and ethics.
For me, nothing in the world could ever redeem this man. The fact that Jenny could find herself once again attracted to this vacuous individual, only lessened her in my eyes. The side relationships of her siblings just added to the morally bankrupt theme of the story. Even the heavenly aspects did very little to lift this depressing story. In fact, instead of providing an inspirational message, it came off as maudlin and corny.
1 star is actually being extremely generous. I would recommend a pass.
October 22, 2012
A cross between "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Angels in the Outfield." Everything was a one dimensional cliche. Trite, poorly done. I never felt like the author understood or could relate to the characters she created. It read as if the author were gossiping at a party, rather than relating to the meaning/confusion of the characters' tale.
August 14, 2011
This is the worst romance I've ever read. Bad plotting, bad writing, cliched, cardboard stereotypical characters, and a ridiculous ghost. Be warned: Freethy preaches against the evils of abortion with an extremely heavy hand. This is an anti-abortion screed thinly disguised as a romance novel.
June 17, 2022
It was pleasant enough but I didn't really like anyone but Luke. All the other characters had major issues that were skimmed over. The book could have been a lot shorter and less preachy.
February 9, 2015
What a horrible book! I couldn't understand why the book was so based on god and angels and crap like that. It was bullshit. The characters were selfish. What a waste of good paper.
August 11, 2011
This was my first e-book and even though I had a good idea what it was going to be like, I decided to spring $3.99) for it. I'm glad I didn't pay for a hard copy as it's one that I wouldn't re-read, but it was a fast, easy, predictable read. I found the characters - especially Jennie - to be inconsistent. For days she won't leave her son's side and then once Luke starts to 'court' her, they're off touring the countryside and playing on the beach.
I love a good romance and am a sucker for happy endings, but this was just too much. Everybody, including Luke's parents, who only saw Danny briefly while he was in a coma, became better people. I'm not saying that a tragic accident like this can't affect people and change their behaviour - but everybody??
And a picky thing: Why is it called Daniel's Gift, when I don't think Danny is referred to as Daniel anywhere in the book?
I love a good romance and am a sucker for happy endings, but this was just too much. Everybody, including Luke's parents, who only saw Danny briefly while he was in a coma, became better people. I'm not saying that a tragic accident like this can't affect people and change their behaviour - but everybody??
And a picky thing: Why is it called Daniel's Gift, when I don't think Danny is referred to as Daniel anywhere in the book?
May 5, 2013
I had a good cry over this book and I like it. I've been tensed in the past couple of days before I finished this book, and crying was a good reliever.
The story is a testament to faith: as tragic as events and circumstances could turn, everything happens for a reason. It also presents the two kinds of persona in the subject of love and sacrifice: one who is willing to fight for what/who he loves and make sacrifices for it; and another who can't think beyond one's self. The latter leads one to doubt whether it is still love, as it is meant to be?
I've read a number of books by Barbara Freethy, and I can say that I have not disliked any of them. She always writes a good story about family, and it is sure to tug at the heart, and no matter how much I cry and get my eyes swollen, I will still read them.
The story is a testament to faith: as tragic as events and circumstances could turn, everything happens for a reason. It also presents the two kinds of persona in the subject of love and sacrifice: one who is willing to fight for what/who he loves and make sacrifices for it; and another who can't think beyond one's self. The latter leads one to doubt whether it is still love, as it is meant to be?
I've read a number of books by Barbara Freethy, and I can say that I have not disliked any of them. She always writes a good story about family, and it is sure to tug at the heart, and no matter how much I cry and get my eyes swollen, I will still read them.
January 1, 2017
This seemed a bit silly to me with the characters doing some unusual things at times.
September 30, 2020
OMG!
Laugh, cry, pity, sympathize, you will feel all of that with this amazing story. Second chances at love, of being a parent when you didn't even know you wanted to be. Beautiful story!
Laugh, cry, pity, sympathize, you will feel all of that with this amazing story. Second chances at love, of being a parent when you didn't even know you wanted to be. Beautiful story!
June 21, 2019
Summer read ... with decent character development and some surprises.
November 20, 2023
What a great book
December 2, 2011
Minor spoilers ahead:
This book left me with mixed feelings. As I'm writing this, I'm currently a little over halfway through, and I'm getting progressively more irritated with the message the author seems to be attempting to send regarding Jenny. Without going into too much detail (and if you have read the back of the book, I'm not spoiling anything), when Danny goes into the coma, his guardian angel tells him from the beginning that Danny, his mother Jenny, and his father, Luke, all have things to learn. The thing that bothers me is that what Jenny appears to "need" to learn is to fight for what she loves. What she loves (other than Danny) is a MARRIED man who threw her away pretty cruelly 13 years ago because he wasn't strong enough to stand up to his parents. I can forgive a hero for making mistakes in his youth as long as he truly is put through his paces and it's not just a quick "Oh yeah, I'll totally fix that next time," that a lot of authors do at the ends of books, but the fact that he's married and "God" wants Jenny to fight for a married guy really bugs me. I'm hoping I'm misunderstanding something that will become clearer at the end of the book, but right now, while the book is holding my interest, I'm not overly impressed.
This book left me with mixed feelings. As I'm writing this, I'm currently a little over halfway through, and I'm getting progressively more irritated with the message the author seems to be attempting to send regarding Jenny. Without going into too much detail (and if you have read the back of the book, I'm not spoiling anything), when Danny goes into the coma, his guardian angel tells him from the beginning that Danny, his mother Jenny, and his father, Luke, all have things to learn. The thing that bothers me is that what Jenny appears to "need" to learn is to fight for what she loves. What she loves (other than Danny) is a MARRIED man who threw her away pretty cruelly 13 years ago because he wasn't strong enough to stand up to his parents. I can forgive a hero for making mistakes in his youth as long as he truly is put through his paces and it's not just a quick "Oh yeah, I'll totally fix that next time," that a lot of authors do at the ends of books, but the fact that he's married and "God" wants Jenny to fight for a married guy really bugs me. I'm hoping I'm misunderstanding something that will become clearer at the end of the book, but right now, while the book is holding my interest, I'm not overly impressed.
September 7, 2014
Wow!!!! First of all I have to say I have loved all of Barbara Freethy's books. But this one I could not put down!!! I loved the h/h, Luke and Jenny, but I fell in love with all the characters. I'm routing for Luke and Jenny to get together, for Merrilee and Richard to work out their marriage, for Matt to quit drinking but mostly for Daniel to live! Very emotional book, at times it was heartbreaking, heart wrenching, funny, romantic, sexy, scary, you feel about every emotion reading this book. Can't say enough about this book!
August 6, 2012
The book will hook you from beginning to end. You could feel and picture the characters actions and feelings. It told a great story of a mothers bond to her child. And it was filled with romance as well. It also send a message. Enjoy life each and everyday and no matter how old you always find your true love, I highly recommend this book!
September 10, 2012
I had a hard time connecting with this one. I wish the boy would have been more involved in his parents getting back together, instead of his "spirit" or whatever influencing their motions.
The ending was touching, though.
The ending was touching, though.
June 20, 2023
Get out the tissues
This book was one of the best I’ve read in a long time. Through the near death of one little boy a family’s lives are changed forever, and I was invited along for the ride.
Jenny is a mom barely holding on. Raising a boy for twelve years as a single mom hasn’t been easy. Thankfully her brother, and sister’s family have always been there for her.
Danny has too many questions about his dad. Jenny doesn’t want to go there. He abandoned her and never looked back. When Danny goes out to find him things are never the same again.
Luke gave up everything to please his parents. He has the perfect job, the perfect home, the perfect wife. Why is he so unhappy? When he finds out he has a son the things he thought were important take a back seat to one little boy in a hospital bed.
Marilee’s life is a balancing act. Keeping things looking good on the surface without falling out of control. Now with Danny’s accident she feels the facade slipping. Can she continue to hold things together, or let go and see where they fall?
Matt has been on a collision course with disaster since he was forced to retire from his football career. Now he’s floating through life from beer to beer. Can he rise up and be the man his family needs or will the next beer drag him down again?
This book was a roller coaster ride of emotions. I laughed, I cried, I couldn’t put it down. It’s literally that good. I highly recommend it.
This book was one of the best I’ve read in a long time. Through the near death of one little boy a family’s lives are changed forever, and I was invited along for the ride.
Jenny is a mom barely holding on. Raising a boy for twelve years as a single mom hasn’t been easy. Thankfully her brother, and sister’s family have always been there for her.
Danny has too many questions about his dad. Jenny doesn’t want to go there. He abandoned her and never looked back. When Danny goes out to find him things are never the same again.
Luke gave up everything to please his parents. He has the perfect job, the perfect home, the perfect wife. Why is he so unhappy? When he finds out he has a son the things he thought were important take a back seat to one little boy in a hospital bed.
Marilee’s life is a balancing act. Keeping things looking good on the surface without falling out of control. Now with Danny’s accident she feels the facade slipping. Can she continue to hold things together, or let go and see where they fall?
Matt has been on a collision course with disaster since he was forced to retire from his football career. Now he’s floating through life from beer to beer. Can he rise up and be the man his family needs or will the next beer drag him down again?
This book was a roller coaster ride of emotions. I laughed, I cried, I couldn’t put it down. It’s literally that good. I highly recommend it.
June 26, 2017
Jenny and Luke had a two month love affair 13 years ago that resulted in Daniel. Both from different sides of the tracks. Luke's family held him to very high expectations and he did not know what to do or how to deal with the pregnancy, so he gave Jenny money and told her to have an abortion, and left town to attend medical school just as he had always intended to do. She did not do what he wanted and never told him about the child, Danny.
Years alter Luke come back to town and Danny decides he wants to meet his father and ask him why he doesn't want him. When he gets to his fathers house, instead of meeting the man who helped create him, he gets the door slammed in his face by Luke's wife. On his way home there is a horrible accident and Danny is in a coma. Danny appears before Luke and somehow Luke knows that is is son and he needs to go to him,
Jenny and Luke have to work together for the sake of Danny to bring their families together as Danny has always wanted, but they do not know if Danny will ever wake up to be a part of it. All they have is hope and each other to hold onto. Does Danny wake up and have the family he has always wanted. Better read it and find out.....
Years alter Luke come back to town and Danny decides he wants to meet his father and ask him why he doesn't want him. When he gets to his fathers house, instead of meeting the man who helped create him, he gets the door slammed in his face by Luke's wife. On his way home there is a horrible accident and Danny is in a coma. Danny appears before Luke and somehow Luke knows that is is son and he needs to go to him,
Jenny and Luke have to work together for the sake of Danny to bring their families together as Danny has always wanted, but they do not know if Danny will ever wake up to be a part of it. All they have is hope and each other to hold onto. Does Danny wake up and have the family he has always wanted. Better read it and find out.....
August 26, 2022
free ebook
she got preg but the boyfriend said to get a abortion and they didnt see each other again
she had the boy and raised him on her own
she had a sister with a daughter and son, who always tried to be perfect. her husband is having affair
she had a brother who was always drunk cause he couldnt play football anymore
the single ladys son wanted to see his dad and went with his friend to his dads house. but the dads wife wouldnt let him in. she had her tubes tied and didnt tell her husband who found out when the dr called. she didnt tell him the son he didnt know he had came to the door
the boy was hit by a car on his way home and is in a coma. they dont know who hit him. the moms boyfriend is a cop and is looking into who did it. she broke up with him when he accused her brother
when the man found out he had a son he went to the hospital. he was still attracted to the mom after all these years and wanted to be in the sons life. he is not happy with his wife who had a affair.
the boy came to him as a vision
the boy woke up and was ok. it was the neighbor lady who hit him, she didnt even know she did it, she shouldnt have been driving at all. they forgave her
the dad is getting divorced from his wife and is going to be with them
she got preg but the boyfriend said to get a abortion and they didnt see each other again
she had the boy and raised him on her own
she had a sister with a daughter and son, who always tried to be perfect. her husband is having affair
she had a brother who was always drunk cause he couldnt play football anymore
the single ladys son wanted to see his dad and went with his friend to his dads house. but the dads wife wouldnt let him in. she had her tubes tied and didnt tell her husband who found out when the dr called. she didnt tell him the son he didnt know he had came to the door
the boy was hit by a car on his way home and is in a coma. they dont know who hit him. the moms boyfriend is a cop and is looking into who did it. she broke up with him when he accused her brother
when the man found out he had a son he went to the hospital. he was still attracted to the mom after all these years and wanted to be in the sons life. he is not happy with his wife who had a affair.
the boy came to him as a vision
the boy woke up and was ok. it was the neighbor lady who hit him, she didnt even know she did it, she shouldnt have been driving at all. they forgave her
the dad is getting divorced from his wife and is going to be with them
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2024
Nothing brings a family together or destroys it like a devasting tragedy involving a beloved child. Barbara Freethy presents this story with all of the emotion and heartache of someone that has experienced this situation firsthand. Single mom, Jenny St. Claire is just trying to give her 12-year-old son a good life even if she has to sacrifice to do it. Danny, her stubborn, impulsive son is determined to meet his biological father even if he is the famous, wealthy Dr. Luke Sheridan. One hasty bus ride not only brings Danny shattering disappointment but also threatens to end his life. The stress of Danny's uncertain future affects everyone in his extended family in so many different ways bringing about long needed changes. The appearance of Danny's quirky guardian angel and a whole host of other heavenly helpers added so much interest to his story. This was a very Good Read!!!!
June 16, 2021
Do you believe in angels?
Years earlier a young Jenny St Claire had a summer romance with Luke Sheridan , son of wealthy parents who have a carefully laid out plan for him that doesn't involve a girl they feel is not good enough for him. Unbeknownst to Luke, Jenny bears his son Danny. A tragic accident brings Luke back into Jenny's life where he discovers she has borne him a son. As they wait to see if Danny lives or dies, their son with the help of a mysterious angel called Jacob, brings healing not only to his parents but to those around him. A bit of a tear-jerker, somewhat a little farfetched, but still an interesting read.
Years earlier a young Jenny St Claire had a summer romance with Luke Sheridan , son of wealthy parents who have a carefully laid out plan for him that doesn't involve a girl they feel is not good enough for him. Unbeknownst to Luke, Jenny bears his son Danny. A tragic accident brings Luke back into Jenny's life where he discovers she has borne him a son. As they wait to see if Danny lives or dies, their son with the help of a mysterious angel called Jacob, brings healing not only to his parents but to those around him. A bit of a tear-jerker, somewhat a little farfetched, but still an interesting read.
July 9, 2017
I don't write reviews about books I read very often, probably because I usually devour a book in 1-2 days. I do have to write a review on this one. I have to say that this is one of the best books I've ever read and I've read thousands of books. There isn't an emotion that didn't get wrung out of me during this book. The story is excellent, the characters (each and every one) is exceptionally fleshed out. I laughed, I cried, and I sighed. This is one of those books that you won't ever forget and will want to read over again. I can't think of a single negative thing I can say. If you believe in love, courage, magic, and faith this is the book for you.
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