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Daddy Wore Dog Tags
A soldier running from his past and a young woman denying herself a future become caregivers of a beautiful baby girl and find their true destiny as a family. Army Ranger Max Hamilton has returned to Destiny Falls after the sudden death of his brother. Only coming home means more than trying to save the family farm. Coming home means facing the demons he left behind, and allowing himself to love again. After her twin sisters’ death, suburban veterinarian, Chelsea Stevens understands that raising her niece is the only chance for a child she will ever have. Fulfilling her sister’s final wish is more than just moving her career…it’s risking her heart. Can their shared love of a child be the common ground these wounded souls need to trust and find love for keeps?
198 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2014
207 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Witek
14 books32 followersI live in New York with my husband and 2 rambunctious black labs (Max & Marley) There is never a dull moment in our world.
When I'm not writing, I'm enjoying empty-nester life in the cul-de-sac. I also enjoy cross-country skiing and skating, hiking, anything crafty, and competitive game nights with family and friends!
I'm a firm believer in love at first sight and finding lost loves.
When I'm not writing, I'm enjoying empty-nester life in the cul-de-sac. I also enjoy cross-country skiing and skating, hiking, anything crafty, and competitive game nights with family and friends!
I'm a firm believer in love at first sight and finding lost loves.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 22, 2014
What can I say other than I loved this book!!
Two broken hearted strangers connected by one common thread-- a baby girl.
Hunky Max Hamilton takes a leave from his military duties to return home after his brother has a tragic accident. While home, Max finds letters and a photo that had belonged to his brother. Max was an uncle?? And just where were the people in the photo-- a sweet baby and a captivating young lady-- and how soon would they be on his door step to try to take away the farm??
Sweet Chelsea decided to pack up her belongings and her infant niece to move closer to the baby's father's family. This was a big step for Chelsea, but, she promised her twin sister-- and a promise is a promise.
Sparks fly when Max and Chelsea meet--misunderstandings and tempers arise, can they get along for the sake of the baby?? That remains to be seen-----
From start to finish, I couldn't wait to see what happened between these two electric characters. I got lost in the story-which is a good thing. You won't be sorry that you picked up this sweet book. :)
Two broken hearted strangers connected by one common thread-- a baby girl.
Hunky Max Hamilton takes a leave from his military duties to return home after his brother has a tragic accident. While home, Max finds letters and a photo that had belonged to his brother. Max was an uncle?? And just where were the people in the photo-- a sweet baby and a captivating young lady-- and how soon would they be on his door step to try to take away the farm??
Sweet Chelsea decided to pack up her belongings and her infant niece to move closer to the baby's father's family. This was a big step for Chelsea, but, she promised her twin sister-- and a promise is a promise.
Sparks fly when Max and Chelsea meet--misunderstandings and tempers arise, can they get along for the sake of the baby?? That remains to be seen-----
From start to finish, I couldn't wait to see what happened between these two electric characters. I got lost in the story-which is a good thing. You won't be sorry that you picked up this sweet book. :)
July 22, 2014
"Daddy Wore Dog Tags" by Barbara Witek which I won through Goodreads Giveaways is a charmingly delightful romance which begins in Destiny Falls where Chelsea Stevens has moved with her niece Bella after her sister's death. Fulfilling her sister's dying wish Chelsea is determined to raise the child close to the Hamilton farm, Bella's late father's home, but when she meets his brother Max for the first time she's met by a rude, obnoxious man who mistakes her for her sister; a woman he considers a gold-digger.
Major Max Hamilton, a U.S. Army Special Forces Ranger has returned to the farm after the accidental death of his brother Nate. Although he loves the 300 acre farm not only has mismanagement left the property debt-ridden but it holds bitter memories of the love he lost. Max will not only have to confront a past that left him fleeing to a career in the army, but the love of a child and the woman he can't forget.
What the plot lacks in description that would have brought the town and surrounding area in Destiny Falls to life, the characters make up for in an engrossing story of two beleaguered souls who find love amid their pain and loneliness. Max Hamilton is a man haunted by the death of his fiancé who was killed in a senseless accident a week before their wedding, leaving him distraught and running to join the army. Away on secret missions for years he returns to try and find a way of saving the farm, only to face the demons of his past and lose his heart. His bossy intimidation, stubbornness and aloofness masks a kind, generous, vulnerable nature.
Chelsea Stevens is the veterinarian from Albany and sole guardian of Bella, the only child she may ever have because of a medical condition. Abandoned by lovers who want a family she's insecure, but level-headed, and very pragmatic. When her romance with Max heats up she becomes a risk-taker hoping he is the true love she's been missing.
"Daddy Wore Dog Tags" is a story not only of pain, loss and heartbreak but of friendship, love and deliverance. I loved the cover and highly recommend the story to those that like a unique romance.
Major Max Hamilton, a U.S. Army Special Forces Ranger has returned to the farm after the accidental death of his brother Nate. Although he loves the 300 acre farm not only has mismanagement left the property debt-ridden but it holds bitter memories of the love he lost. Max will not only have to confront a past that left him fleeing to a career in the army, but the love of a child and the woman he can't forget.
What the plot lacks in description that would have brought the town and surrounding area in Destiny Falls to life, the characters make up for in an engrossing story of two beleaguered souls who find love amid their pain and loneliness. Max Hamilton is a man haunted by the death of his fiancé who was killed in a senseless accident a week before their wedding, leaving him distraught and running to join the army. Away on secret missions for years he returns to try and find a way of saving the farm, only to face the demons of his past and lose his heart. His bossy intimidation, stubbornness and aloofness masks a kind, generous, vulnerable nature.
Chelsea Stevens is the veterinarian from Albany and sole guardian of Bella, the only child she may ever have because of a medical condition. Abandoned by lovers who want a family she's insecure, but level-headed, and very pragmatic. When her romance with Max heats up she becomes a risk-taker hoping he is the true love she's been missing.
"Daddy Wore Dog Tags" is a story not only of pain, loss and heartbreak but of friendship, love and deliverance. I loved the cover and highly recommend the story to those that like a unique romance.
June 20, 2014
Sarah's Review:
Thank you to Wanderlust Book Tours for reaching out for a promo for this story and then reaching out to the author when I wanted to review it. I was instantly drawn in by the title then after reading the blurb, I knew I wanted to read this book. Boy, am I glad I did! I love the military romances almost as much as I love romance in general. I don't get to read as many military romances as I would like, but when they come in, I pounce. Since this is a short romance, it will be difficult not to give anything away, but I will try.
When Max and Chelsea experience the death of their siblings, little do either know that sweet baby Bella that lost both of her parents will be something that neither one of them saw coming.
Max is furious when he finds out about having a niece that he knew nothing about and thinks that Chelsea is only after the family farm. What Max doesn't realize is that Chelsea is following her deceased sister's wishes. Talk about fireworks and jumping to conclusions, boy, Max was a pro at that. When he realizes just how wrong he was, he doesn't know what hit him.
Chelsea knew that she would be raising her niece after her sister's death and much to her parents arguments against it, she and Bella relocate to be near Bella's other side of the family. Chelsea get the surprise of her life when she meets Max and he ends up being hateful towards her and Bella. That is until the meeting with the lawyer to discuss Nathan and Val's final wishes for their daughter.
What happens after that meeting changes everyone involved but the path isn't easy for them.
Thank you to Wanderlust Book Tours for reaching out for a promo for this story and then reaching out to the author when I wanted to review it. I was instantly drawn in by the title then after reading the blurb, I knew I wanted to read this book. Boy, am I glad I did! I love the military romances almost as much as I love romance in general. I don't get to read as many military romances as I would like, but when they come in, I pounce. Since this is a short romance, it will be difficult not to give anything away, but I will try.
When Max and Chelsea experience the death of their siblings, little do either know that sweet baby Bella that lost both of her parents will be something that neither one of them saw coming.
Max is furious when he finds out about having a niece that he knew nothing about and thinks that Chelsea is only after the family farm. What Max doesn't realize is that Chelsea is following her deceased sister's wishes. Talk about fireworks and jumping to conclusions, boy, Max was a pro at that. When he realizes just how wrong he was, he doesn't know what hit him.
Chelsea knew that she would be raising her niece after her sister's death and much to her parents arguments against it, she and Bella relocate to be near Bella's other side of the family. Chelsea get the surprise of her life when she meets Max and he ends up being hateful towards her and Bella. That is until the meeting with the lawyer to discuss Nathan and Val's final wishes for their daughter.
What happens after that meeting changes everyone involved but the path isn't easy for them.
July 23, 2014
I had the privilege of winning this book via Goodreads Giveaways! Firt, I'd like to thank the author for allowing me to read this amazing short novel. I was actually quite impressed right off the bat of how quickly we are thrown into the story of these two strangers who must deal with the loss of their loved ones as they simultaneously care for a child that was left an orphan when her parents tragically passed.
I was actually surprised at how well the story was written, since I'd never heard of the author before, and she doesn't seem to be very "well known". If she has other books, I would definitely consider reading them.
There were a couple of things I would like to have read more of, for example, the letters that Chelsea and Max found that their siblings had been writing to each other. It would be cute if now, there was a completely separate book containing these letters Val and Nate wrote to each other!
What was Nate's accident? All I understood from it was that he had an accident on the farm or in the yard or something...
All of the death was a little bit much, but I guess that's how death works every day.
I also enjoyed the large print of the novel. It was a lot easier on the eyes to read.
Everything just seemed so real in this book, and I couldn't believe how amazing the story was. A must read for anyone looking for romance with a twist.
I was actually surprised at how well the story was written, since I'd never heard of the author before, and she doesn't seem to be very "well known". If she has other books, I would definitely consider reading them.
There were a couple of things I would like to have read more of, for example, the letters that Chelsea and Max found that their siblings had been writing to each other. It would be cute if now, there was a completely separate book containing these letters Val and Nate wrote to each other!
What was Nate's accident? All I understood from it was that he had an accident on the farm or in the yard or something...
All of the death was a little bit much, but I guess that's how death works every day.
I also enjoyed the large print of the novel. It was a lot easier on the eyes to read.
Everything just seemed so real in this book, and I couldn't believe how amazing the story was. A must read for anyone looking for romance with a twist.
June 14, 2014
Duty, Honor, Country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. - Douglas MacArthur
Witek crafts a heartwarming story of two strangers working together to parent the baby left to their guardianship. Max Hamilton left the Army to preserve his family's land after his brother's death, not realizing that his brother also fathered a daughter. He is suspicious of Chelsea Stevens when she arrives on his doorstep with his niece, concerned that Chelsea is only interested in claiming his niece's inheritance. Yet he softens his heart to both of them when Chelsea reveals her sister wanted her daughter to know the Hamiliton Family and Destiny Falls.
I appreciate Witek giving readers a glimpse of "coming home" for military heroes. Max joined the Army to escape his own pain, only to return to added burdens that he ultimately embraces - his sister, his niece, and his growing attraction to Chelsea. DADDY WEARS DOG TAGS is a quick read that will leave readers proud of military personnel who come home.
I received a print copy from Barbara for my honest review.
Witek crafts a heartwarming story of two strangers working together to parent the baby left to their guardianship. Max Hamilton left the Army to preserve his family's land after his brother's death, not realizing that his brother also fathered a daughter. He is suspicious of Chelsea Stevens when she arrives on his doorstep with his niece, concerned that Chelsea is only interested in claiming his niece's inheritance. Yet he softens his heart to both of them when Chelsea reveals her sister wanted her daughter to know the Hamiliton Family and Destiny Falls.
I appreciate Witek giving readers a glimpse of "coming home" for military heroes. Max joined the Army to escape his own pain, only to return to added burdens that he ultimately embraces - his sister, his niece, and his growing attraction to Chelsea. DADDY WEARS DOG TAGS is a quick read that will leave readers proud of military personnel who come home.
I received a print copy from Barbara for my honest review.
May 30, 2014
This book was a sweet, touching story. I was drawn in and completely consumed the moment I started reading it.
Max Hamilton found himself having to take an extended military leave when his brother is killed. Not only was he trying to deal with that lost, but he was also the one who needed to save the family farm.
Chelsea made a promise to her dying sister, she would raise her daughter and would make sure she was introduced to her daddy's family.
When Chelsea shows up at Max's house , something flies between them. There are plenty of misunderstandings, but could there be something more?
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Barbara Witek is a talented writer. This story was perfectly written. I felt like I knew all the characters involved and was right there in the story. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Max Hamilton found himself having to take an extended military leave when his brother is killed. Not only was he trying to deal with that lost, but he was also the one who needed to save the family farm.
Chelsea made a promise to her dying sister, she would raise her daughter and would make sure she was introduced to her daddy's family.
When Chelsea shows up at Max's house , something flies between them. There are plenty of misunderstandings, but could there be something more?
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Barbara Witek is a talented writer. This story was perfectly written. I felt like I knew all the characters involved and was right there in the story. I look forward to reading more from this author.
May 22, 2014
I don't give very many five star ratings but this one definitely deserves it!
When her sister dies, veterinarian Chelsea Stevens fulfills her sister's last wish...she brings her baby niece to Destiny Falls in order to connect with the baby's father's family.
Max Hamilton has seen some bad things during his time as an Army Ranger, but nothing has him prepared for trying to save the failing family farm and to top it off some woman brings his baby niece into the picture.
Read this story to find out what happens! This story has it all, a surly bachelor, a baby, and a woman set on making it work! It's a super cute read and I recommend it to everyone!
When her sister dies, veterinarian Chelsea Stevens fulfills her sister's last wish...she brings her baby niece to Destiny Falls in order to connect with the baby's father's family.
Max Hamilton has seen some bad things during his time as an Army Ranger, but nothing has him prepared for trying to save the failing family farm and to top it off some woman brings his baby niece into the picture.
Read this story to find out what happens! This story has it all, a surly bachelor, a baby, and a woman set on making it work! It's a super cute read and I recommend it to everyone!
August 1, 2014
I won this book for free on Goodreads First Reads for an honest review. This is the first book I have read by this author, Barbara Witek and it will not be the last. When her sister dies, Chelsea Stevens fulfills her sister's last wish and brings her baby niece, Bella to Destiny Falls in order to connect with the baby's father's family. Max Hamilton is on leave from the Army and returned to the family farm after the accidental death of his brother Nate. This story has it all, a crabby bachelor, a baby, and a woman set on making it work out.
December 21, 2014
Loved it so much!
March 11, 2015
This was a great book. It is well worth your time to read. .
August 21, 2014
What a Great Read.. The Story drew me in from the beginning. It was hard to put down.. It is a heartwarming story I'm sure everyone will love..
July 16, 2014
I loved this book! A captivating story that keeps you turning the pages. I had trouble putting this book down. I hope to read more from the author, Barbara Witek.
August 4, 2014
wonderful book. couldn't put it down once I started reading. finished in less than 24 hours.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews