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Chatsworth #3
A Daughter's Place
Home is where the farm is
Libby Bateson was seventeen and pregnant when her father kicked her off the farm. She never intended to go back. But now she and her daughter need a place to stay.
So for the few months it'll take to get her life together, she'll ignore her father's unremitting antagonism. Ignore the small-town gossips counting back on their fingers, trying to figure out her daughter's age. Whatever she has to do, Libby is determined that none of them will know the truth behind her little girl's conception.
Especially not Bigson Browning. He lives next door and wants to be her friend, yet they both sense the feelings between them go way too deep for that. Gibson's love of the land ties him to the farming community of Chatsworth, the one place Libby can never stay.
Not when the man she fears most still lives there...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2000
399 people are currently reading
1467 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Carmichael
107 books832 followersUSA Today bestselling author C. J. Carmichael has written over 50 novels, including two mystery series, as well as romance and women’s fiction. Three of her novels have been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, including A Bramble House Christmas. A film version of A Bramble House Christmas premiered as a Hallmark Mystery movie in 2017.
Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.
Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...
Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.
Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
May 25, 2017
Wow I really Enjoyed this book. It was free on Amazon and free books on amazon are always hit or miss. This one is for sure a hit! It pulls you into the story line. It feels real, the relationships feel real and it makes you get invested in the characters life. Libby, Gib, Nicole, Allie, ect I loved all of the characters and I even grew to love the Libby's dad towards the end. I can't think of one thing I would change about this story and that says a lot!
If you don't have this story you should check it out. Right now it's still free on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L...
If you don't have this story you should check it out. Right now it's still free on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L...
September 14, 2014
THREE AND A HALF TO FOUR STARS!
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I didn't expect it to drag me in but it did, so much so that I cried in the end.
A Daughter's Place is the story of a struggling single mother having to move back home despite her pride and broken relationship with her father, so as to protect her daughter from bullying. Returning after eight years to her home town of Chatsworth, Libby Bateson knew there were bound to be some questions as to her whereabouts and her daughter, Nicole. And true to form, members of the small town were curious, the most persistent being her neighbour and late brother's best friend, Gibson Browning. Attraction flares between the two single parents and Gibson places his heart on the line, determined to make Libby his. But to open herself to Gibs would mean revealing painful truths from her past, truths that have the potential to hurt her child, something this mother cannot do.
I loved reading about the struggles that Libby went through. She is an amazingly strong woman, doing the best she can without a high school diploma to provide a good life for her daughter. The insight into Nicole's thoughts regarding the bullying was heartbreaking, and my heart couldn't help but squeeze sadly at Nicole being so mindful of the financial hardships her mother faced. Definitely something I could identify with growing up so it struck a chord within me as I read.
And I enjoyed Gibson. He's straightforward and uncomplicated with his desires, not to mention pretty sexy. I was amazed at how the author included his lusty thoughts but chose to do a fade to black love scene. I thought it was an interesting contrast.
In regard to Libby's painful past, its definitely a trigger potential so be warned. And its such a huge source of angst in this book that I really wasn't sure if there was going to be a HEA. I was panicking because at the 90% mark, Libby and Gibson were still duking it out with their feels. But I think that's what made it all enjoyable, that the two really had to fight for their HEA. The other amazing thing about this book was that I was so furious with Libby's father, but by the end of the book, I couldn't help the soft spot that I had developed for him. That C.J. Carmichael is pretty sneaky.
So why not five stars? There were little things here and there that could have been tweaked and rounded for a better reading experience. Whilst I don't mind when a book leaves out the steamy goodness, I thought this book definitely could have benefitted from it. There's nothing quite like a sexy farmer to get your heart racing, not to mention, I think it would have been good to have read Libby's thoughts during the act so as to get a better sense of her as a young and desirable woman, not just as a mother. Often times, you tend to forget that she's only 25!
Overall, an enjoyable read. This book may not be for everyone, but if you're as family orientated as I am, and have a love for the simple life, you may find this book to be a surprisingly good read.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I didn't expect it to drag me in but it did, so much so that I cried in the end.
A Daughter's Place is the story of a struggling single mother having to move back home despite her pride and broken relationship with her father, so as to protect her daughter from bullying. Returning after eight years to her home town of Chatsworth, Libby Bateson knew there were bound to be some questions as to her whereabouts and her daughter, Nicole. And true to form, members of the small town were curious, the most persistent being her neighbour and late brother's best friend, Gibson Browning. Attraction flares between the two single parents and Gibson places his heart on the line, determined to make Libby his. But to open herself to Gibs would mean revealing painful truths from her past, truths that have the potential to hurt her child, something this mother cannot do.
I loved reading about the struggles that Libby went through. She is an amazingly strong woman, doing the best she can without a high school diploma to provide a good life for her daughter. The insight into Nicole's thoughts regarding the bullying was heartbreaking, and my heart couldn't help but squeeze sadly at Nicole being so mindful of the financial hardships her mother faced. Definitely something I could identify with growing up so it struck a chord within me as I read.
And I enjoyed Gibson. He's straightforward and uncomplicated with his desires, not to mention pretty sexy. I was amazed at how the author included his lusty thoughts but chose to do a fade to black love scene. I thought it was an interesting contrast.
In regard to Libby's painful past, its definitely a trigger potential so be warned. And its such a huge source of angst in this book that I really wasn't sure if there was going to be a HEA. I was panicking because at the 90% mark, Libby and Gibson were still duking it out with their feels. But I think that's what made it all enjoyable, that the two really had to fight for their HEA. The other amazing thing about this book was that I was so furious with Libby's father, but by the end of the book, I couldn't help the soft spot that I had developed for him. That C.J. Carmichael is pretty sneaky.
So why not five stars? There were little things here and there that could have been tweaked and rounded for a better reading experience. Whilst I don't mind when a book leaves out the steamy goodness, I thought this book definitely could have benefitted from it. There's nothing quite like a sexy farmer to get your heart racing, not to mention, I think it would have been good to have read Libby's thoughts during the act so as to get a better sense of her as a young and desirable woman, not just as a mother. Often times, you tend to forget that she's only 25!
Overall, an enjoyable read. This book may not be for everyone, but if you're as family orientated as I am, and have a love for the simple life, you may find this book to be a surprisingly good read.
September 15, 2017
I picked up Family Matters, an Anthology for free. This is the first story in the bundle.
17 year old is raped by a cocky athlete in the small town in which they live. The jerk was drunk and sure she wanted it. This occurred after her mother and brother die and her father is not paying attention. She thought she liked the guy - but not into anything but kissing. When the jerk drove her home and passed out, she walks home from a deserted road with torn clothing, some bruising, etc. Her Dad is grief-stricken over losing his wife and kicks her out before she graduates HS. She moves to the city - is pregnant, delivers and raises her daughter. After a few years - the struggle has weighed her down. The counselor in her daughter's school is Claire from The Fourth Child. She shows up at her Dad's place - he has deteriorated and hasn't moved on. She sees her brother's best friend (next door neighbor) - now a widower with a daughter. The description of her struggle as a single mother with no education, the loss of her mother and brother, also the loss of her father - is pretty real.
The book is not graphic - but some details are provided. So careful to those who have triggers. I liked this one - 3.5 rounded stars.
17 year old is raped by a cocky athlete in the small town in which they live. The jerk was drunk and sure she wanted it. This occurred after her mother and brother die and her father is not paying attention. She thought she liked the guy - but not into anything but kissing. When the jerk drove her home and passed out, she walks home from a deserted road with torn clothing, some bruising, etc. Her Dad is grief-stricken over losing his wife and kicks her out before she graduates HS. She moves to the city - is pregnant, delivers and raises her daughter. After a few years - the struggle has weighed her down. The counselor in her daughter's school is Claire from The Fourth Child. She shows up at her Dad's place - he has deteriorated and hasn't moved on. She sees her brother's best friend (next door neighbor) - now a widower with a daughter. The description of her struggle as a single mother with no education, the loss of her mother and brother, also the loss of her father - is pretty real.
The book is not graphic - but some details are provided. So careful to those who have triggers. I liked this one - 3.5 rounded stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2017
***FIVE STARS***
I got this awesome trilogy from my friend Debbie (Thank you Debbie!!!) and this was the first story in it. I was sucked in from the very first page, and I only put it down when real life forced me to. Such a fantastic story that felt so realistic to me. We live out in the boonies and there are a lot of farmers in our town, so this story had my hometown feel to it as well.
This story had some really sad elements and loss in it, and I felt horrible for the hand that Libby had been dealt. She had so much loss, pain and struggles through the 8 years she tried to raise her daughter herself. I adored experiencing the trials Libby went through in this story with her father, her neighbor and even the judgmental town folk she had to deal with, then seeing her overcome all of it. This was a very charming story in the end, and I would absolutely re-read this one. It was a totally fantastic way to spend my rainy week.
December 28, 2017
I liked the story a lot and got hooked from start to finish. Our heroine is a strong and determined woman to provide a better life for her daughter. She swallows the pride and returns home. Her father has kicked her out and it is painful to see their relationship. She loves her daughter so much despite the circumstances of her conception.
Our hero is a jerk sometimes but he really cares about her.
Separate the tissue paper to face the most emotional scenes.
I recommend!
January 16, 2015
I didn't love this one. Honestly I had no idea what to expect from this freebie book. It looked like a nice uplifting book, so I decided what the heck. So, here's my advice for free books...use the library, it's free and you can choose good books! I am discovering that the ebook freebies are usually a disappointment...though there are the rare cases. So many things bothered me about this book. The narration lacked consistency. For example, when Libby moves back home with her estranged father. She begins cleaning a very neglected house while her 7yr old daughter is taking a nap in the truck (where she happens to fall asleep on a drive) Our narrator Libby tells us that she has been cleaning all day, it's 4:30, and she's still not done, so it will be awhile before she can start dinner. Then just a few sentences later she's getting her daughter out of the truck telling her that dinner is ready. Wait...what? You just told us there was no way dinner was going to be ready. I'm so confused. This kind of inconsistency happened throughout the book. It was hard to read. I really didn't like the main character at all! She has this big secret that only she and her father know about. She won't tell a soul. She meets a great guy who lays all his past on her yet she refuses to talk. Her secrets only come out when they are over heard by her "boyfriend" and then all is well...which just made me feel like I wasted my time. She got off the hook way too easy. It was so unbelievable, and unrealistic. I mean I know it's fiction and all, but fictional characters take on human characteristics, and this felt so unreal to me. Lots of eye rolling in this one.
November 12, 2014
This is the first book I read by C J Carmichael. My heart broke for Libby & Nicole. I was very happy for Nicole. I didn't like Allie. I think Libby didn't take the rape or bullying serious. I think Gibson wasn't strict with Allie. I think rape & bullying are serious topics & I think it should have been taken more seriously in this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2014
I didn't care much for the characters in this book and yet I found myself thinking about them after I was finished reading. I think the storyline was interesting but didn't have as much depth as I had hoped.
November 28, 2025
3.5 stars the romance portion was to insta love but I enjoyed the rest including getting to know her dad again
August 3, 2014
Loved the book. The situations(at least some of them)dealt with in this book are ones that probably have occurred in "real life". The storyline was good, the characters great. I even liked Henry (the father)at the end of the book. Gibson...well I wouldn't have complained if he'd been my neighbor. I was a little annoyed with Allie and the way she behaved. However, that was pretty much true to life, also. Libby and Nicole were a great mother/daughter. I definitely would recommend the book.
November 5, 2014
This was a very emotional story that touched my heart. Libby pulled me right into this book, and I didn't want to put it down until the last page.
Libby lost her mom, and brother. At the tender age of 17 Libby find out she is pregnant. Her dad hands her a hand full of bills, and puts her on a gray hound bus. She had never travelled , and now she is alone and pregnant. She did the best she could as a single mom working two jobs. She never wanted to go back home and face her father, but 8 years later she knew she needed help. Her daughter Nicole was being bullied at school, and to top it off she found a eviction notice stuck to her apartment door.
Libby came back to the family farm to find it dirty, and in desperate need of repairs. You could feel the tension between daughter, and dad. I loved the way her dad finally warmed up to Nicole. He loved his granddaughter.
Gibson was the closest neighbor. He was also Libby's brothers best friend. the families have a lot of memories that were made together. He is a single dad raising a daughter the same age as Nicole. Libby and Gibson were able to help each other out with the girls, and car pooled. He got Nicole signed up for soccer. He was the soccer coach.
I loved how two old friends eventually fell in love. It was wonderful journey where more memories were made along the way. This book had the coming home feel to it. Libby loved being home, and loved working hard on the farm. She didn't think so at first, but she was exactly where she was meant to be. The bonds between father, and daughter repaired and strengthened along the way. I love this book. it was not a cry fest, but it was a beautiful emotional story.
Libby lost her mom, and brother. At the tender age of 17 Libby find out she is pregnant. Her dad hands her a hand full of bills, and puts her on a gray hound bus. She had never travelled , and now she is alone and pregnant. She did the best she could as a single mom working two jobs. She never wanted to go back home and face her father, but 8 years later she knew she needed help. Her daughter Nicole was being bullied at school, and to top it off she found a eviction notice stuck to her apartment door.
Libby came back to the family farm to find it dirty, and in desperate need of repairs. You could feel the tension between daughter, and dad. I loved the way her dad finally warmed up to Nicole. He loved his granddaughter.
Gibson was the closest neighbor. He was also Libby's brothers best friend. the families have a lot of memories that were made together. He is a single dad raising a daughter the same age as Nicole. Libby and Gibson were able to help each other out with the girls, and car pooled. He got Nicole signed up for soccer. He was the soccer coach.
I loved how two old friends eventually fell in love. It was wonderful journey where more memories were made along the way. This book had the coming home feel to it. Libby loved being home, and loved working hard on the farm. She didn't think so at first, but she was exactly where she was meant to be. The bonds between father, and daughter repaired and strengthened along the way. I love this book. it was not a cry fest, but it was a beautiful emotional story.
October 3, 2024
Hats off to the h for carrying on in spite of the struggle and being all alone. BUt she was dead wrong not to report the rape but then again she was 17 year old a kid basically so yes her shit of dad needs a few good lessons but then again we say he was dealing with the death in the family but still he should be blamed and never did the author delves on it that what he went through and why did he do what he did when he clearly knew she had been assaulted.
The romance was ok i didn't like the h's reticence regarding telling the h the truth.
The romance was ok i didn't like the h's reticence regarding telling the h the truth.
September 10, 2017
3.5 stars-
July 16, 2014
Autry‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4 STARS
I loved every minute of A Daughter’s Place, C.J. Carmichael has packed this book full of emotions and relatable experiences!
Libby is a hard-working mother, who is facing one of her worst fears-returning home. Forced to leave her childhood home after living through a terrifying night, Libby is determined to return and do what is best for her and her daughter, Nicole. Every struggle is worth the battle for Nicole, including facing her fears and vicious rumors swirling about her departure.
Gibson is shocked to see Libby back in town and with a daughter no less. Being a farmer working the land is still providing for his family. Gibsons’ own tragic loss has ties to the farm and leaves him with a hole in the chest. With Libby back in town, emotions and tempers flare and Gibson finds himself thinking and feeling more and more for his neighbor.
Nicole is struggling to make friends and adapt to changes at school after a meeting with Nicole’s teachers; Libby returns to their apartment to find her financial struggle has gone without notice. Left with no choice but to return to her hometown and angry father, Libby hopes for a positive outcome for her daughter and hopes to finish her education and leave once again. Gisbon’s daughter quickly befriends Nicole and draws her into her circle of friends. Watching Nicole blossom gives Libby confidence to go out and get her education finished and search for a job. Gibson and Libby have been friends for years in elementary and high school, which bonded over loss of loved ones. Trying to warm her fathers’ heart has opened her heart to the possibility of falling in love with Gibson. Their daughter’s trial and tribulations of friendship and new schools push the couple together. Gibson continually pushes for answers as to why Libby left, why she’s back, and whose Nicole’s father. The girls take Libby and Gibson on one last adventure before the couple realizes their feelings for each other are true and are worth taking a risk on.
This book pulled at my heart so much. I felt a range of emotion from anger at Libby’s father and the tragic night that changed so much in her life; to hope of cleaning the slate, moving on, opening hearts and finding love again. A Daughter’s Place was a refreshing change for me; I enjoyed reading C.J. Carmichael’s book, I found myself reading while at work just because I couldn’t put it down! I will be looking for more work by C.J. Carmichael.
4 STARS
I loved every minute of A Daughter’s Place, C.J. Carmichael has packed this book full of emotions and relatable experiences!
Libby is a hard-working mother, who is facing one of her worst fears-returning home. Forced to leave her childhood home after living through a terrifying night, Libby is determined to return and do what is best for her and her daughter, Nicole. Every struggle is worth the battle for Nicole, including facing her fears and vicious rumors swirling about her departure.
Gibson is shocked to see Libby back in town and with a daughter no less. Being a farmer working the land is still providing for his family. Gibsons’ own tragic loss has ties to the farm and leaves him with a hole in the chest. With Libby back in town, emotions and tempers flare and Gibson finds himself thinking and feeling more and more for his neighbor.
Nicole is struggling to make friends and adapt to changes at school after a meeting with Nicole’s teachers; Libby returns to their apartment to find her financial struggle has gone without notice. Left with no choice but to return to her hometown and angry father, Libby hopes for a positive outcome for her daughter and hopes to finish her education and leave once again. Gisbon’s daughter quickly befriends Nicole and draws her into her circle of friends. Watching Nicole blossom gives Libby confidence to go out and get her education finished and search for a job. Gibson and Libby have been friends for years in elementary and high school, which bonded over loss of loved ones. Trying to warm her fathers’ heart has opened her heart to the possibility of falling in love with Gibson. Their daughter’s trial and tribulations of friendship and new schools push the couple together. Gibson continually pushes for answers as to why Libby left, why she’s back, and whose Nicole’s father. The girls take Libby and Gibson on one last adventure before the couple realizes their feelings for each other are true and are worth taking a risk on.
This book pulled at my heart so much. I felt a range of emotion from anger at Libby’s father and the tragic night that changed so much in her life; to hope of cleaning the slate, moving on, opening hearts and finding love again. A Daughter’s Place was a refreshing change for me; I enjoyed reading C.J. Carmichael’s book, I found myself reading while at work just because I couldn’t put it down! I will be looking for more work by C.J. Carmichael.
December 1, 2014
Children are a gift and deserve to be loved regardless of their mistakes especially when their mistakes were caused through no fault of their own.
This book is about a young woman who loved her child the way she had been loved when she was younger in spite of the obstacles she faced on a daily basis. Libby did her best for Nicole. She even swallowed her pride and put aside her anger at her father to move back to the farm where she grew up. Libby’s father rejected her when she called and told him they were coming home but she persevered and in the end it was good that she did.
Libby got reacquainted with her brother’s best friend, Gibson, and they both discover they have a mutual attraction to one another. Eventually they explore their mutual attraction but Gibson becomes frustrated because Libby won't tell him anything about her past after she left. Libby's desire to keep secret what happened to her shortly after the death of her mother and brother and her father's rejection is frustrating but you also understand where Libby's desire to keep those secrets is coming from.
We've all lost someone we love. We've also been acquainted with or have a family member who has been touched by some sort of assault. Libby looked very much like her mother. She also found herself in a situation not of her choosing and when you combine that with her resemblance to her mother, it’s like her father had taken all he could handle and sent her away with basically the clothes on her back and a fist full of money.
Libby did what any good mother would do and that was made lemons out of lemonade. Nicole didn't have the best clothes or the latest toys but she was fed, clothed, and loved dearly. Libby had to be a strong woman to do this and an even stronger person to call her father in spite of his rejection and tell him they would be coming home.
While Gibson is a man of strong character, you become frustrated because he continues to pester Libby about her past. He manages to fit a couple of pieces together on his own but it’s the little things that he can’t figure out and Libby won’t divulge. At the same time you just want Libby to put it all out there so everyone can begin to move forward. You also want her to confront her father about why he sent her away however through Nicole’s presence in the home, “Grandpa” begins to slowly open up.
There are points in the book where you know what’s about to happen—or you think you do—but you can’t help cry. Please give this book a chance.
This book is about a young woman who loved her child the way she had been loved when she was younger in spite of the obstacles she faced on a daily basis. Libby did her best for Nicole. She even swallowed her pride and put aside her anger at her father to move back to the farm where she grew up. Libby’s father rejected her when she called and told him they were coming home but she persevered and in the end it was good that she did.
Libby got reacquainted with her brother’s best friend, Gibson, and they both discover they have a mutual attraction to one another. Eventually they explore their mutual attraction but Gibson becomes frustrated because Libby won't tell him anything about her past after she left. Libby's desire to keep secret what happened to her shortly after the death of her mother and brother and her father's rejection is frustrating but you also understand where Libby's desire to keep those secrets is coming from.
We've all lost someone we love. We've also been acquainted with or have a family member who has been touched by some sort of assault. Libby looked very much like her mother. She also found herself in a situation not of her choosing and when you combine that with her resemblance to her mother, it’s like her father had taken all he could handle and sent her away with basically the clothes on her back and a fist full of money.
Libby did what any good mother would do and that was made lemons out of lemonade. Nicole didn't have the best clothes or the latest toys but she was fed, clothed, and loved dearly. Libby had to be a strong woman to do this and an even stronger person to call her father in spite of his rejection and tell him they would be coming home.
While Gibson is a man of strong character, you become frustrated because he continues to pester Libby about her past. He manages to fit a couple of pieces together on his own but it’s the little things that he can’t figure out and Libby won’t divulge. At the same time you just want Libby to put it all out there so everyone can begin to move forward. You also want her to confront her father about why he sent her away however through Nicole’s presence in the home, “Grandpa” begins to slowly open up.
There are points in the book where you know what’s about to happen—or you think you do—but you can’t help cry. Please give this book a chance.
July 27, 2014
A Daughter's Place (Family Matters Book 1) by C J Carmichael
Libby Bateson and Gibson
What's a single mother do when she's run out of options?
After her father kicked her off the family farm because she was pregnant, seventeen-year-old Libby Bateson swore she'd never go back. She and her daughter, Nicole, have scraped by in the city for the past eight years, but when Libby finds out Nicole is being bullied and under-performing at school, she decides it's time to swallow her pride.
Going home isn't easy. Libby finds the farmhouse neglected and filthy. Her father is a cantankerous hermit who won't speak to her. Even Gibson Browning, the farmer next door whom she'd once had a crush on, is making her life complicated.
Gibson's wife died two years ago and now he's a single parent too--raising a daughter the same age as Nicole. The hard working, good looking Gibson is a loyal friend and a loving father. Libby knows she could easily fall for him--which would be a mistake.
Because Libby can't stay in Chatsworth for long. Not without risking exposure of the secret that could ruin her daughter's life.
her brother's best friend name is ______?
Will Libby Bateson and Gibson be more than friends?
What is Libby secret that could ruin her daughter's life?
A wonderful story about family, forgiveness and love.
A Daughter's Place (Family Matters Book 1) by C J Carmichael is a wonderful well written 5 stars book.
I am looking forward to reading more books C J Carmichael
Look for all 3 stories in C.J. Carmichael's Family Matters series:
A Daughter's Place - Book 1
Her Best Friend's Baby - Book 2
The Fourth Child - Book 3
Close to Her Heart
Courting Trouble
Promise Me, Cowboy
Libby Bateson and Gibson
What's a single mother do when she's run out of options?
After her father kicked her off the family farm because she was pregnant, seventeen-year-old Libby Bateson swore she'd never go back. She and her daughter, Nicole, have scraped by in the city for the past eight years, but when Libby finds out Nicole is being bullied and under-performing at school, she decides it's time to swallow her pride.
Going home isn't easy. Libby finds the farmhouse neglected and filthy. Her father is a cantankerous hermit who won't speak to her. Even Gibson Browning, the farmer next door whom she'd once had a crush on, is making her life complicated.
Gibson's wife died two years ago and now he's a single parent too--raising a daughter the same age as Nicole. The hard working, good looking Gibson is a loyal friend and a loving father. Libby knows she could easily fall for him--which would be a mistake.
Because Libby can't stay in Chatsworth for long. Not without risking exposure of the secret that could ruin her daughter's life.
her brother's best friend name is ______?
Will Libby Bateson and Gibson be more than friends?
What is Libby secret that could ruin her daughter's life?
A wonderful story about family, forgiveness and love.
A Daughter's Place (Family Matters Book 1) by C J Carmichael is a wonderful well written 5 stars book.
I am looking forward to reading more books C J Carmichael
Look for all 3 stories in C.J. Carmichael's Family Matters series:
A Daughter's Place - Book 1
Her Best Friend's Baby - Book 2
The Fourth Child - Book 3
Close to Her Heart
Courting Trouble
Promise Me, Cowboy
June 27, 2015
Let me just start by saying this was the first book I had read by C. J. Carmichael, but it will most definitely not be the last.
This book covers a lot of relationships - friendship and rivalry between 8 year old girls, father/daughter (the relationship between a single man and his 7 year old daughter as well as grown ups) grandfather/grandaughter, Mother/son and the obvious love between 2 people who have grown up together and now connect as adults. The characters throughout this book were so realistic (I love a book with characters I can relate too), the hardships they experience, the love and the struggle of being a single parent. All of the characters were likable, but yet realistically flawed.
I absolutely loved the strength in Libby's character. After everything she has been through - mother and brother dying, father kicking her out of the house, struggling to care for herself and her daughter Nicole - she still cared about protecting others. The romance between her and Gibson was great and just so lovely! Each had their own insecurities and weaknesses that made it feel like I was spying on real-life neighbors rather than just reading about them in the pages of the book.
This one pulled at my heart, but it's not an emotional cry fest either.
It was a fun read that will give you faith in the strength of families, forgiveness, and of small communities helping each other.
I couldn't put this book down, read it in one sitting and I'm going to buy the rest of the books. Well written and captures your imagination. I'll definitely be recommending, I'm so glad I found it :)
This book covers a lot of relationships - friendship and rivalry between 8 year old girls, father/daughter (the relationship between a single man and his 7 year old daughter as well as grown ups) grandfather/grandaughter, Mother/son and the obvious love between 2 people who have grown up together and now connect as adults. The characters throughout this book were so realistic (I love a book with characters I can relate too), the hardships they experience, the love and the struggle of being a single parent. All of the characters were likable, but yet realistically flawed.
I absolutely loved the strength in Libby's character. After everything she has been through - mother and brother dying, father kicking her out of the house, struggling to care for herself and her daughter Nicole - she still cared about protecting others. The romance between her and Gibson was great and just so lovely! Each had their own insecurities and weaknesses that made it feel like I was spying on real-life neighbors rather than just reading about them in the pages of the book.
This one pulled at my heart, but it's not an emotional cry fest either.
It was a fun read that will give you faith in the strength of families, forgiveness, and of small communities helping each other.
I couldn't put this book down, read it in one sitting and I'm going to buy the rest of the books. Well written and captures your imagination. I'll definitely be recommending, I'm so glad I found it :)
August 27, 2014
This is the first book that I have read by CJ Carmichael, and I am hooked. I was relieved to see that she has many other novels (30+)in her library of work.
We meet Libby Bateman, a young single mother, struggling to raise her daughter Nicole, in Toronto. Having left school before graduation, Libby can only find work that pays minimum wage.
As a result Libby and her daughter live in a constant state of anxiety. Unable to bear the resignation that lives permanently in her daughters eyes, Libby takes the bold step to move back home, to the place she is unwanted.
One cannot help but fall in love with Libby and Nicole, it is painful to feel their hunger and sadness, so we want more for them. That Libby has a scrap of fight left in her leaves us cheering her on, wanting to believe we could find that same resilience in ourselves.
The methodical plan that she sets in motion to improve their future reveals the past and helps us to feel compassion for all the players in this well crafted novel.
My passion for self-discovery and the courage and wisdom that this journey takes left me wanting to read more of Ms. Carmichaels work. This is a must read.
We meet Libby Bateman, a young single mother, struggling to raise her daughter Nicole, in Toronto. Having left school before graduation, Libby can only find work that pays minimum wage.
As a result Libby and her daughter live in a constant state of anxiety. Unable to bear the resignation that lives permanently in her daughters eyes, Libby takes the bold step to move back home, to the place she is unwanted.
One cannot help but fall in love with Libby and Nicole, it is painful to feel their hunger and sadness, so we want more for them. That Libby has a scrap of fight left in her leaves us cheering her on, wanting to believe we could find that same resilience in ourselves.
The methodical plan that she sets in motion to improve their future reveals the past and helps us to feel compassion for all the players in this well crafted novel.
My passion for self-discovery and the courage and wisdom that this journey takes left me wanting to read more of Ms. Carmichaels work. This is a must read.
September 17, 2014
This was a great contemporary romance. I loved the strength in Libby's character. After everything she has been through - mother and brother dying, father kicking her out of the house, struggling to care for herself and her daughter Nicole - she still cared about protecting others. The romance between her and Gibson was great. I always like the characters in my book to be realistic, I don't like it when they come off as too perfect. The author nailed it in this book. All of the characters were likable, but yet realistically flawed. Each had their own insecurities and weaknesses that made it feel like I was spying on real-life neighbors rather than just reading about them in the pages of the book.
This one pulled at my heart, but it's not an emotional cry fest either.
It was a fun read that will give you faith in the strength of families, forgiveness, and of small communities helping each other.
This one pulled at my heart, but it's not an emotional cry fest either.
It was a fun read that will give you faith in the strength of families, forgiveness, and of small communities helping each other.
October 25, 2014
Wow, just wow.
This is a very touching romance that weaves in sensitive subject matter in a very classy way.
Libby is forced to leae home at the age of 17 pregnant with a child conceived through rape. 7 years later she is returns home in order to give her child a better way of life. Gibson, a neighbor and childhood friend of her late brother's, also now has a daughter of the same age and suffered his. own trauma through the death of his wife when Allie was still a toddler. Watching how their chemistry and romance unfolds while backing each other up was sweet. Finding that each of them were rather direct about things with each other and their families added a realistic touch to the story.
If you are looking for a family centered romances with a deep storyline and plenty of passion, this is a great book to check out. Once you start it, you won't want to stop till you reach the end.
This is a very touching romance that weaves in sensitive subject matter in a very classy way.
Libby is forced to leae home at the age of 17 pregnant with a child conceived through rape. 7 years later she is returns home in order to give her child a better way of life. Gibson, a neighbor and childhood friend of her late brother's, also now has a daughter of the same age and suffered his. own trauma through the death of his wife when Allie was still a toddler. Watching how their chemistry and romance unfolds while backing each other up was sweet. Finding that each of them were rather direct about things with each other and their families added a realistic touch to the story.
If you are looking for a family centered romances with a deep storyline and plenty of passion, this is a great book to check out. Once you start it, you won't want to stop till you reach the end.
August 1, 2014
This is one of my favorite stories and I have read it several times. Libby has struggled for several years after her father kicked her out of the house at 17 when she became pregnant from a rape. But she ends up with no alternative but to go home when she becomes homeless and jobless, and desperately needs someplace to regroup and get back n her feet to continue raising her daughter. Her father, sullen, silent and difficult, tolerates her presence. She's shocked at how rundown and neglected everything is on the family farm, but she steps up, digs in, and starts over. Her dead brother's best friend, now a widower, comes over and tries to help. And then the worst happens. The man who raped her, now a pillar in the community, shows up.
This is a great story! As I said, I've read it many times and I'm sure I will read it more!
This is a great story! As I said, I've read it many times and I'm sure I will read it more!
August 27, 2019
Boring! Too old fashioned, tame & unsophisticated
The editing was atrocious, there are missing words, missing punctuation, speech marks left open after the person has stopped talking. Weirdly there full stops in the middle of sentences, and capital letters in ths middle of sentences, with no full stop proceeding them. Then randomly it changes from Libby's pov to a third person narrative at chapter 7.
The story itself was very ordinary. It was all very predictable and boring. I got a very dated, tame, feeling from the story, like the writer didn't want to write anything that would cause emotions, good or bad, in the reader. While it made this an easy read, it also made it very old fashioned feeling, uninspired and unsophisticated, so I have no interest in reading any more of this authors works.
The editing was atrocious, there are missing words, missing punctuation, speech marks left open after the person has stopped talking. Weirdly there full stops in the middle of sentences, and capital letters in ths middle of sentences, with no full stop proceeding them. Then randomly it changes from Libby's pov to a third person narrative at chapter 7.
The story itself was very ordinary. It was all very predictable and boring. I got a very dated, tame, feeling from the story, like the writer didn't want to write anything that would cause emotions, good or bad, in the reader. While it made this an easy read, it also made it very old fashioned feeling, uninspired and unsophisticated, so I have no interest in reading any more of this authors works.
March 13, 2020
An easy, likeable read
The story was a little choppy and I didn't get why the romantic connection between these 2 characters at all, but I did enjoy the story overall. Libby is of course strong and caring. She's dealt blow after blow but keeps moving forward and taking excellent care of her daughter. Gibson is awful. Of course he is. He's so entitled and judgmental. He won't stop hounding Libby for information about her past and truly believes he's entitled to those answers. If she doesn't respond the way he wants in any given situation he goes off on her. We see throughout his constant insults to her that he is verbally abusive and we get a hint that he is physically abusive when he threatens her at one point not to say another word. I mean, I give up. These are the guys that women must find as desirable and romantic so what do I know.
The story was a little choppy and I didn't get why the romantic connection between these 2 characters at all, but I did enjoy the story overall. Libby is of course strong and caring. She's dealt blow after blow but keeps moving forward and taking excellent care of her daughter. Gibson is awful. Of course he is. He's so entitled and judgmental. He won't stop hounding Libby for information about her past and truly believes he's entitled to those answers. If she doesn't respond the way he wants in any given situation he goes off on her. We see throughout his constant insults to her that he is verbally abusive and we get a hint that he is physically abusive when he threatens her at one point not to say another word. I mean, I give up. These are the guys that women must find as desirable and romantic so what do I know.
July 22, 2015
When 17-year-old Libby gets pregnant her father kicks her off the family farm and she has to go live in Toronto by herself. She and her daughter Nicole manage to get by for 8 years but it's a struggle and eventually circumstances force Libby to return to the farm. Her father does not want her there but she does rekindle an old friendship with next door neighbour Gibson. It was pretty obvious from the start how the book would end, so there were no surprises, twists or big reveals but this book was a nice, easy read. I got this book for free on Kindle last December and it was worth the read for a free book but I would not have purchased it and I will not purchase any other book by this author.
July 14, 2014
Excellent book!
Well written and heart warming book. I really liked Libby and Gibson. They both had to struggle as single parents, but they both wanted the best for their daughters. The small farming town was charming.. When difficulties arose they all pitched in together to help. I look forward to the next book in the series. *** I was given this book as a gift from the author in exchange for my honest review. ***
Well written and heart warming book. I really liked Libby and Gibson. They both had to struggle as single parents, but they both wanted the best for their daughters. The small farming town was charming.. When difficulties arose they all pitched in together to help. I look forward to the next book in the series. *** I was given this book as a gift from the author in exchange for my honest review. ***
July 25, 2014
I love this book and the characters! It could easily be a movie!! I was very captivated by the story which has everything you could want in a book: a tragic loss, a closely guarded secret, a sad and burdened young mother and child, an unwelcomed reunion and best of all an unexpected love!!
August 10, 2014
Loved it!!!
A story that touched my heart... As a single mother i felt somehow connected to Libby and her strugle to make her daughters Nicoles life good.
Also i love a farm life, a good boy next door and..... Cinnamon buns;)
A story that touched my heart... As a single mother i felt somehow connected to Libby and her strugle to make her daughters Nicoles life good.
Also i love a farm life, a good boy next door and..... Cinnamon buns;)
September 5, 2014
I loved this book and finished it quickly because it was so good!I love reading a very interesting romance with a great story!
May 16, 2016
Another Amazon freebie, and it was quite good, I enjoyed reading it, and would read more by this author.
November 1, 2014
Gostei. É um livro simples e doce.
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