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The Outsider #1
The Forgotten Child
Over 500,000 copies sold worldwide, over 800 Reviews. Now translated in German French
How do you tell a man there is something wrong with his child?
Emily Nelson, ends a loveless, bitter marriage and strikes out on her own. She answers an ad as a cook and live-in caregiver to a three-year-old boy on a local ranch. Ranch owner Brad Friessen hires and moves in Emily and her daughter. But Emily soon discovers something's seriously wrong with the boy, and the reclusive, difficult man who hired her can't see the behavior and how delayed his son is. Emily researches until she stumbles across what she suspects are the soft signs of autism. Now she must tell him, give him hope, and help him come to terms with this neurological disorder--to take the necessary steps to get his child the help he needs.
As their lives become intertwined, their attraction is unavoidable--a connection sparks between them. But just as they're getting close, Brad's estranged wife, Crystal, returns after abandoning the family two years earlier.
Crystal must've had a plan, as she somehow gains the upper hand, driving a wedge in the emotional bond forged between Brad, Emily, and the children. The lengths to which Crystal will go, the lies, the greed, just to keep what's hers, are nothing short of cold and calculating. Brad fights to save his boy, to protect what's his, and struggles over his greatest sacrifice—Emily, and the haunting Has he lost her forever.
“This is by far one of the best books I have read. Lorhainne Eckhart proved herself yet again by pulling you in with a heartfelt story and keeping your attention with the passion that fills the pages.” — ROMANCE JUNKIES
“A Real Tear Omg, I loved this book. I stayed up all night trying to finish it. I cried, My heart broke, I have an 18 year old with autism. This would make a fabulous movie.”Reviewer – Tammy
“Brilliant, there is no other word for it, heart grabbing, heart warming, gut wrenching, well written well researched, wanted to read it over over again." Maureen
BLACK RAVEN'S REVIEWS — “Ms. Eckhart has crafted a delightful story with engaging characters, enough drama for a Hallmark movie, and enough unconditional love to last a lifetime.”—Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by AJ!—
How do you tell a man there is something wrong with his child?
Emily Nelson, ends a loveless, bitter marriage and strikes out on her own. She answers an ad as a cook and live-in caregiver to a three-year-old boy on a local ranch. Ranch owner Brad Friessen hires and moves in Emily and her daughter. But Emily soon discovers something's seriously wrong with the boy, and the reclusive, difficult man who hired her can't see the behavior and how delayed his son is. Emily researches until she stumbles across what she suspects are the soft signs of autism. Now she must tell him, give him hope, and help him come to terms with this neurological disorder--to take the necessary steps to get his child the help he needs.
As their lives become intertwined, their attraction is unavoidable--a connection sparks between them. But just as they're getting close, Brad's estranged wife, Crystal, returns after abandoning the family two years earlier.
Crystal must've had a plan, as she somehow gains the upper hand, driving a wedge in the emotional bond forged between Brad, Emily, and the children. The lengths to which Crystal will go, the lies, the greed, just to keep what's hers, are nothing short of cold and calculating. Brad fights to save his boy, to protect what's his, and struggles over his greatest sacrifice—Emily, and the haunting Has he lost her forever.
“This is by far one of the best books I have read. Lorhainne Eckhart proved herself yet again by pulling you in with a heartfelt story and keeping your attention with the passion that fills the pages.” — ROMANCE JUNKIES
“A Real Tear Omg, I loved this book. I stayed up all night trying to finish it. I cried, My heart broke, I have an 18 year old with autism. This would make a fabulous movie.”Reviewer – Tammy
“Brilliant, there is no other word for it, heart grabbing, heart warming, gut wrenching, well written well researched, wanted to read it over over again." Maureen
BLACK RAVEN'S REVIEWS — “Ms. Eckhart has crafted a delightful story with engaging characters, enough drama for a Hallmark movie, and enough unconditional love to last a lifetime.”—Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by AJ!—
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First published November 6, 2011
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About the author
Lorhainne Eckhart
293 books901 followers"Lorhainne Eckhart is one of my go to authors when I want a guaranteed good book. So many twists and turns, but also so much love and such a strong sense of family."
(Lora W. Reviewer)
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3m2c0At
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3k6nP6z
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LEckhart
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lorhainneec...
New York Times & USA Today bestseller Lorhainne Eckhart writes Raw Relatable Real Romance is best known for her big family romances series, where “Morals and family are running themes. Danger, romance, and a drive to do what is right will see you glued to the page.” As one fan calls her, she is the “Queen of the family saga.” (aherman) writing “the ups and downs of what goes on within a family but also with some suspense, angst and of course a bit of romance thrown in for good measure.” Follow Lorhainne on Bookbub to receive alerts on New Releases and Sales and join her mailing list at LorhainneEckhart.com for her Monday Blog, books news, giveaways and FREE reads. With over 120 books, audiobooks, and multiple series published and available at all retailers now translated into six languages. She is a multiple recipient of the Readers’ Favorite Award for Suspense and Romance, and lives in the Pacific Northwest on an island, is the mother of three, her oldest has autism and she is an advocate for never giving up on your dreams.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3m2c0At
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3k6nP6z
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LEckhart
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lorhainneec...
New York Times & USA Today bestseller Lorhainne Eckhart writes Raw Relatable Real Romance is best known for her big family romances series, where “Morals and family are running themes. Danger, romance, and a drive to do what is right will see you glued to the page.” As one fan calls her, she is the “Queen of the family saga.” (aherman) writing “the ups and downs of what goes on within a family but also with some suspense, angst and of course a bit of romance thrown in for good measure.” Follow Lorhainne on Bookbub to receive alerts on New Releases and Sales and join her mailing list at LorhainneEckhart.com for her Monday Blog, books news, giveaways and FREE reads. With over 120 books, audiobooks, and multiple series published and available at all retailers now translated into six languages. She is a multiple recipient of the Readers’ Favorite Award for Suspense and Romance, and lives in the Pacific Northwest on an island, is the mother of three, her oldest has autism and she is an advocate for never giving up on your dreams.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
March 14, 2018
Emily is a recently divorced mom who accepts a job as a full-time caretaker for the son of a wealthy ranch owner. Her employer, Brad, is still angry about his wife walking out on him and buries himself in work. With help of Emily, he begins to understand that his young son, Trevor,is autistic. When Brad's wife shows up demanding to see the son she had abandoned, her actions may drive Emily and Brad apart before there romance even begins.
I really liked this book! Despite the bad grammar and typos, it was a quick read with a happy ending. I plan on checking out the rest of the series.
I really liked this book! Despite the bad grammar and typos, it was a quick read with a happy ending. I plan on checking out the rest of the series.
February 27, 2024
I’ve had this on my kindle for YEARS… I’m not really a fan of the author. I find that she doesn’t dig deep to generate feels and strings her couple’s story out to make more money… very Terri Anne Browning... forcing you to purchase multiple books over different series if you want the full story. For example, this is Brad and Emily’s story, but if you want their entire story you’re going to need to purchase… The Forgotten Child -4.99 ➕A Baby and a Wedding-1.99 (from The Outsider series) ➕A Different Kind of Love-2.99 (from The Friessens-A New Beginning Series) ➕ The Decision-4.99 (from The Friessens Series) and each are 216 or less pages.
Unfortunately, I got snagged by the tease of OW drama (evil ex-wife Crystal) and ended up going down a Friessen/Scribd rabbit hole over the weekend… so there’re several of these coming. 😆
The book opens with Emily deciding she’s done with her mamas-boy husband and asking him to leave. The next day she meets Brad when she applies for his nanny/cook job. I can get behind a soapy plot, but I didn’t love this because it just felt too soon for her to be panting after Brad. I mean it was one day 🤔 it also made for a slow burn so the first 40% pretty much followed her day-to-day duties and the autistic son side plot. Thankfully, Crystal the terrible shows up and spices the plot up because she’s straight out of a soap opera villainess handbook and stomps all over the sweet-mousy h.
Bottom Line- This was ok. It started out slowly but picked up in the last half. I wouldn’t call any of these books romances, they read like soapy serials. It’s all about the drama, not development or feels. I loved the OTT OW drama but wish she would’ve received some comeuppance.
Unfortunately, I got snagged by the tease of OW drama (evil ex-wife Crystal) and ended up going down a Friessen/Scribd rabbit hole over the weekend… so there’re several of these coming. 😆
The book opens with Emily deciding she’s done with her mamas-boy husband and asking him to leave. The next day she meets Brad when she applies for his nanny/cook job. I can get behind a soapy plot, but I didn’t love this because it just felt too soon for her to be panting after Brad. I mean it was one day 🤔 it also made for a slow burn so the first 40% pretty much followed her day-to-day duties and the autistic son side plot. Thankfully, Crystal the terrible shows up and spices the plot up because she’s straight out of a soap opera villainess handbook and stomps all over the sweet-mousy h.
Bottom Line- This was ok. It started out slowly but picked up in the last half. I wouldn’t call any of these books romances, they read like soapy serials. It’s all about the drama, not development or feels. I loved the OTT OW drama but wish she would’ve received some comeuppance.
December 24, 2011
What an amazingly in-depth look at a terrifying disorder weaved into a love story that at times wrenched my heart and at others had me shouting aloud my joy. When hesitant Emily finally decides that she has had enough of her crumbling marriage to Bob, she takes matters into her own hands and finds the strength to move on. With her two-year-old daughter, Katy, Emily moves in to become caregiver to three-year-old Trevor in the sprawling ranch owned by the ultra-sexy and brooding Brad. Brad, a man haunted by a terrible betrayal, finds it difficult to trust, and his bitterness is made even harder to face for Emily, who fast realizes that all is not what it seems with Trevor. But Emily persists, and she is just beginning to make headway with both Trevor and Brad when Crystal, Brad’s estranged wife, suddenly appears on the scene again. Torn between her love for her child and her love for the family she has cared for, Emily chooses to back down. As Brad battles his demons, Emily continues to move forward, and both discover just how powerful love can be in this heartwarming and dramatic tale.
This is a great story of strength and healing. Ms. Eckhart did a fantastic job in weaving in the emotions all parents feel when they find their child is not like everyone else's. Her characters were human, with their faults and fears, and yet they find the strength and courage to overcome it all and learn to trust and hope. I highly recommend this story.
This is a great story of strength and healing. Ms. Eckhart did a fantastic job in weaving in the emotions all parents feel when they find their child is not like everyone else's. Her characters were human, with their faults and fears, and yet they find the strength and courage to overcome it all and learn to trust and hope. I highly recommend this story.
July 14, 2013
I rarely review what I read but in this case it must be said.
My first issue is the constant grammar mistakes and awkward sentence structure. I repeatedly had to go back and re-read to try and understand what author meant. My high school English teacher wouldn't have let me turn in a paper with half of the mistakes in this book.
I also found the characters flat and unrelateable. The relationships weren't well cultivated and I often found the actions and motivations unbelievable.
The author could have done more or better research on autism. She didn't do a good job accurately portraying a child on the autism spectrum. I am appalled at the number of people who now think they know more about autism after reading this book.
Overall, this is just not a good book, not even as a light summer read.
My first issue is the constant grammar mistakes and awkward sentence structure. I repeatedly had to go back and re-read to try and understand what author meant. My high school English teacher wouldn't have let me turn in a paper with half of the mistakes in this book.
I also found the characters flat and unrelateable. The relationships weren't well cultivated and I often found the actions and motivations unbelievable.
The author could have done more or better research on autism. She didn't do a good job accurately portraying a child on the autism spectrum. I am appalled at the number of people who now think they know more about autism after reading this book.
Overall, this is just not a good book, not even as a light summer read.
March 19, 2012
Yet another eh read.. Boy Im sure picking them lately. This one was pretty light on the romance to be honest with you, although I did find out a lot of stuff about autism symptoms that was very enlightening... (not sarcasm) But there were so many typos also that really took away from the read and SO MANY loose ends that werent tied up by the end of the book either..
September 21, 2016
2.5 Sterne. Die Geschichte fängt toll an und gerade Emily ist sehr sympatisch und ich fieberte mit ihr mit. Da scheint noch ein Mysterium hinter ihrem neuen Arbeitgeber Brad, seinem Sohn und der Farm, auf der sie leben, zu stecken. Der Kleinkrieg auf den das Ganze jedoch hinausläuft, ist einfach nur sehr absehbar und unrealistisch. Die Charaktere werden immer naiver und unglaubhafter. Die Anziehung, Liebe und vorallem auch Leidenschaft zwischen den zweien ist jedoch sehr gut gelungen und beschrieben. Ich werde diese Serie jedoch nicht weiterverfolgen. Dennoch muss ich zugeben, dass es eine angenehme Abwechslung war, mal etwas komplett anderes als mein üblicher Lesestoff zu lesen und ich sowas vielleicht öfters machen werde.
January 20, 2019
Eigentlich ganz schöne Geschichte. Es liest sich schnell und ist schön für zwischendurch.
Die frisch getrennte Emily ist total sympathisch, wirkt aber sehr unsicher und fast eingeschüchtert.
Sie zieht bei Brad ein, hilft im Haushalt und kümmert sich um den kleinen Trevor während er arbeitet.
Brad ist ein seltsamer Typ und sehr arrogant. Aber er entwickelt sich und beginnt mit Emilys Hilfe seinen autistischen Sohn zu verstehen.
Als aber seine boshafte Ex auftaucht ändert sich Einiges...
Aber die Figuren reagieren oft nicht nachvollziehbar und der kleine Trevor kommt mir ein wenig zu kurz.
Alles entwickelt sich sehr schnell und man fliegt durch das Buch. Und es ist gar nicht schlecht, wenn sich nicht alles einfach klärt, wenn es eine bösartige Person gibt, die einem das Leben schwer machen will und einen frustrierenden Weg verfolgt.
Frustrierend war aber auch der Schreibstil teilweise. Mal liest es sich flüssig, die nüchternen aber sehr detaillierten Beschreibungen geben Atmosphäre und manchmal stockt es einfach und hat keinen Fluss.
Die Gespräche zwischen Emily und Brad sind immer seltsam, die Anziehung zwischen aber glaubhaft.
Die frisch getrennte Emily ist total sympathisch, wirkt aber sehr unsicher und fast eingeschüchtert.
Sie zieht bei Brad ein, hilft im Haushalt und kümmert sich um den kleinen Trevor während er arbeitet.
Brad ist ein seltsamer Typ und sehr arrogant. Aber er entwickelt sich und beginnt mit Emilys Hilfe seinen autistischen Sohn zu verstehen.
Als aber seine boshafte Ex auftaucht ändert sich Einiges...
Aber die Figuren reagieren oft nicht nachvollziehbar und der kleine Trevor kommt mir ein wenig zu kurz.
Alles entwickelt sich sehr schnell und man fliegt durch das Buch. Und es ist gar nicht schlecht, wenn sich nicht alles einfach klärt, wenn es eine bösartige Person gibt, die einem das Leben schwer machen will und einen frustrierenden Weg verfolgt.
Frustrierend war aber auch der Schreibstil teilweise. Mal liest es sich flüssig, die nüchternen aber sehr detaillierten Beschreibungen geben Atmosphäre und manchmal stockt es einfach und hat keinen Fluss.
Die Gespräche zwischen Emily und Brad sind immer seltsam, die Anziehung zwischen aber glaubhaft.
July 12, 2012
Full review: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...
My main issue was the characters. For a woman who had the balls to leave her husband with no job lined up, Emily allowed herself to be treated poorly and fall back into a new relationship mighty fast. The ink wasn’t even dry on the paper and had a man treated my girlfriend the way he did Emily, I’d be busting his head and hers for staying with him.
I understood what the author was trying to convey, but I have to say she handled Brad’s response to his son’s problems with a heavy hand. As a Mother of two, I found it really hard to swallow a parent not seeking Help for a child for an obvious disability. Not talking by the age of three, kicking and screaming when your toy is moved and peeing on the floor in the grocery store are signs you can’t ignore. For this reason me and hero Brad started out on the wrong foot from the start and it never really changed. Brad had a lot of cowardly behavior and a temper that concerned me.
My main issue was the characters. For a woman who had the balls to leave her husband with no job lined up, Emily allowed herself to be treated poorly and fall back into a new relationship mighty fast. The ink wasn’t even dry on the paper and had a man treated my girlfriend the way he did Emily, I’d be busting his head and hers for staying with him.
I understood what the author was trying to convey, but I have to say she handled Brad’s response to his son’s problems with a heavy hand. As a Mother of two, I found it really hard to swallow a parent not seeking Help for a child for an obvious disability. Not talking by the age of three, kicking and screaming when your toy is moved and peeing on the floor in the grocery store are signs you can’t ignore. For this reason me and hero Brad started out on the wrong foot from the start and it never really changed. Brad had a lot of cowardly behavior and a temper that concerned me.
June 24, 2012
I was distracted quite often by all the punctuation issues and such. I own many, many books and this is the first that was so poorly edited. Even the blurb at the end about the author was pathetically written and had several sentence fragments. I liked the book well enough - it was a very quick read. It brings up autism - it does not explore it as some have said. And it seems like all these parents do is use TV to babysit the kids!
October 25, 2025
Il Bambino Dimenticato è il primo volume della serie romance L'eredità dei Friessen e può essere letto anche singolarmente (se però siete curiosi di sapere cosa accade ai protagonisti dopo la fine di questo libro c'è un breve racconto che verrà pubblicato prossimamente).
Ma torniamo al libro in questione. La storia, raccontata dal punto di vista dei due protagonisti, parla di Emily una donna con una figlia piccola che decide di lasciare il marito rendendosi conto che ormai il suo matrimonio è finito. Rimasta sola con la figlia decide di riprendere in mano la sua vita e va alla ricerca di un lavoro. Fortuna vuole che Brad Friessen, proprietario di un ranch, ha urgente bisogno di una baby-sitter per il figlio e una cuoca. Emily ottiene il lavoro senza problemi ma allo stesso tempo resta affascinata dal suo capo e in più si accorge che il bambino di cui deve occuparsi ha qualche problema che il padre sembra ignorare.
Per lo stile e l'intreccio (soprattutto nella seconda parte) mi ha ricordato molto uno di quei romance del passato dove la protagonista è ingenua, generosa, buona e la perfida antagonista che fa di tutto per togliersela dai piedi mentre il protagonista maschile sembra non essere interessato o che comunque l'abbia solo voluta prendere in giro. A dire il vero, è una cosa che ho apprezzato perché mi sono sempre piaciute queste storie un po' vecchio stile.
Per quanto riguarda il problema di salute di Trevor, il figlio di Brad, l'autrice credo sia riuscita a caratterizzare perfettamente il bambino (grazie all'esperienza diretta che ha avuto). Io non ho mai conosciuto bambini con queste problematiche e non avevo mai letto storie con bambini autistici.
Per quanto riguarda i due protagonisti la caratterizzazione è abbastanza buona: Brad è un tipo taciturno e rude ma ama il figlio (forse qui la nota dolente. Se ama così tanto il figlio perché accetta un perfetta sconosciuta e per di più con una bambina non sapendo se il figlio accetterà o meno queste nuove presenze in casa. Inoltre l'uomo non mi è apparso così "ignorante" da non capire che suo figlio era diverso dagli altri bambini). Emily come dicevo in precedenza è una donna semplice e parecchio ingenua ma non mi è sembrata farsi troppi problemi nel buttarsi in una nuova relazione.
Il livello di sensualità è medio ma non onnipresente. Stile scorrevole e semplice. Senza dubbio affronta temi come l'autismo e il non arrendersi mai davanti alle difficoltà.
Non è una lettura da ombrellone ma non è nemmeno eccessivamente "pesante" o deprimente. È semplicemente una storia d'amore diversa dalle solite. Mi piacerebbe leggere qualche altro libro di quest'autrice.
Ma torniamo al libro in questione. La storia, raccontata dal punto di vista dei due protagonisti, parla di Emily una donna con una figlia piccola che decide di lasciare il marito rendendosi conto che ormai il suo matrimonio è finito. Rimasta sola con la figlia decide di riprendere in mano la sua vita e va alla ricerca di un lavoro. Fortuna vuole che Brad Friessen, proprietario di un ranch, ha urgente bisogno di una baby-sitter per il figlio e una cuoca. Emily ottiene il lavoro senza problemi ma allo stesso tempo resta affascinata dal suo capo e in più si accorge che il bambino di cui deve occuparsi ha qualche problema che il padre sembra ignorare.
Per lo stile e l'intreccio (soprattutto nella seconda parte) mi ha ricordato molto uno di quei romance del passato dove la protagonista è ingenua, generosa, buona e la perfida antagonista che fa di tutto per togliersela dai piedi mentre il protagonista maschile sembra non essere interessato o che comunque l'abbia solo voluta prendere in giro. A dire il vero, è una cosa che ho apprezzato perché mi sono sempre piaciute queste storie un po' vecchio stile.
Per quanto riguarda il problema di salute di Trevor, il figlio di Brad, l'autrice credo sia riuscita a caratterizzare perfettamente il bambino (grazie all'esperienza diretta che ha avuto). Io non ho mai conosciuto bambini con queste problematiche e non avevo mai letto storie con bambini autistici.
Per quanto riguarda i due protagonisti la caratterizzazione è abbastanza buona: Brad è un tipo taciturno e rude ma ama il figlio (forse qui la nota dolente. Se ama così tanto il figlio perché accetta un perfetta sconosciuta e per di più con una bambina non sapendo se il figlio accetterà o meno queste nuove presenze in casa. Inoltre l'uomo non mi è apparso così "ignorante" da non capire che suo figlio era diverso dagli altri bambini). Emily come dicevo in precedenza è una donna semplice e parecchio ingenua ma non mi è sembrata farsi troppi problemi nel buttarsi in una nuova relazione.
Il livello di sensualità è medio ma non onnipresente. Stile scorrevole e semplice. Senza dubbio affronta temi come l'autismo e il non arrendersi mai davanti alle difficoltà.
Non è una lettura da ombrellone ma non è nemmeno eccessivamente "pesante" o deprimente. È semplicemente una storia d'amore diversa dalle solite. Mi piacerebbe leggere qualche altro libro di quest'autrice.
December 21, 2019
Good read, good for Hallmark movie.
May 26, 2012
There is no slow beginning to The Forgotten Child, no "happy opening scene" in which the characters are blissfully unaware that their lives are about to come crashing down. No, this book begins right as a marriage is ending.
Emily Nelson is a brave, intelligent and loving human being who is entering a difficult phase in her life. She's just ended her marriage and now has to find a job in order to support herself and her daughter Katy.
Like all women who find themselves suddenly single with no job and young child to raise, Emily has moments of bone deep fear that she'll fail and her child will pay the price. She's such a well written character, and so real because let's face it, Emily represents every single mother in the world and every single mother in the world has a bit of Emily inside her.
That's what makes Emily such a strong and realistic character that I empathized with. Never having been a single mother, I was and still am the child of one and I was reminded of my own mother and her fears and anxiety when she too, left a bad marriage.
The Forgotten Child is so well written and so realistic that I felt like I was watching a very accurate, heart breaking documentary on divorce, autism and the hardships people face with both.
But let's not forget the romance! The light at the end of the tunnel! From the moment Emily and Brad meet there's sparks, even though Emily is a total klutz (come on, if your fantasy man opened the door you were knocking on, you'd be too).
What I loved about the romance between these two is that, as much as they wanted each other, they always put their kids first. I know, in the real world that's not always true but in this book it was and that was really great to read. As if trying to make a budding relationship work amid the chaos of single parenting wasn't enough, Brad's sneaky, manipulative ex, Crystal shows up and has Emily fired. From there both Brad and Emily need to work on what they want individually and together in order to have a chance of having a happy life together with their children.
As dramatic as it sounds, Lorhainne Eckhart did a fabulous job at making this plot work. Crystal is one of those characters that you love to hate. She's just so sneaky and has a round about way of making trouble that's so hard to prove, but you know what everyone says, the hero is only as good as the villain is bad. It's easy to love the heroes of a story, with their good intentions and poor executions, but it's a great writer who can take readers to the edge and back with a villain and that's what Lorhainne does with Crystal. Crystal, catty and sneaky woman she is, made me so mad at times! It's like watching a movie where you know what's going to happen and you're shouting at the hero "No! Don't do that, it's what she wants! You're playing into her plan you idiot!!" Never fear, the conflict doesn't drag on or get ridiculous at any time. It's done in a timely manner.
However, what I found really important about The Forgotten Child was none of the above, it was the attention Lorhainne Eckhart brought to autism. I've read only one other romance novel where I suspected the hero had autism (The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley) but this was different. There was more focus on Brad's son Trevor and how his condition affected everyone involved. This was a young child who's condition went unacknowledged until Emily walked into his life. Lorhainne Eckhart gave detailed accounts of Trevor's outbursts and wrote them in such a way as to make me feel the same frustration and confusion that Emily did. It is only a small glimpse into the world of an autistic child and those who live, work, take care of and love them.
Even though more and more children are being diagnosed with autism, it is still a mystery to many people, myself included. If you have never met a child with autism then it can be a very unnerving experience, but remember to be patient and as understanding as possible.
I didn't expect I'd fall for the four main characters as hard as I did, but The Forgotten Child is an amazing book, not just for a romance fan like myself, but for single parents who may or may not have a child with autism. It left me with a smile on my face but a small ache in my heart for all the Emily's and Brad's out there who don't always find each other. Overall a very sweet story that I could easily see as a movie one day.
Emily Nelson is a brave, intelligent and loving human being who is entering a difficult phase in her life. She's just ended her marriage and now has to find a job in order to support herself and her daughter Katy.
Like all women who find themselves suddenly single with no job and young child to raise, Emily has moments of bone deep fear that she'll fail and her child will pay the price. She's such a well written character, and so real because let's face it, Emily represents every single mother in the world and every single mother in the world has a bit of Emily inside her.
That's what makes Emily such a strong and realistic character that I empathized with. Never having been a single mother, I was and still am the child of one and I was reminded of my own mother and her fears and anxiety when she too, left a bad marriage.
The Forgotten Child is so well written and so realistic that I felt like I was watching a very accurate, heart breaking documentary on divorce, autism and the hardships people face with both.
But let's not forget the romance! The light at the end of the tunnel! From the moment Emily and Brad meet there's sparks, even though Emily is a total klutz (come on, if your fantasy man opened the door you were knocking on, you'd be too).
What I loved about the romance between these two is that, as much as they wanted each other, they always put their kids first. I know, in the real world that's not always true but in this book it was and that was really great to read. As if trying to make a budding relationship work amid the chaos of single parenting wasn't enough, Brad's sneaky, manipulative ex, Crystal shows up and has Emily fired. From there both Brad and Emily need to work on what they want individually and together in order to have a chance of having a happy life together with their children.
As dramatic as it sounds, Lorhainne Eckhart did a fabulous job at making this plot work. Crystal is one of those characters that you love to hate. She's just so sneaky and has a round about way of making trouble that's so hard to prove, but you know what everyone says, the hero is only as good as the villain is bad. It's easy to love the heroes of a story, with their good intentions and poor executions, but it's a great writer who can take readers to the edge and back with a villain and that's what Lorhainne does with Crystal. Crystal, catty and sneaky woman she is, made me so mad at times! It's like watching a movie where you know what's going to happen and you're shouting at the hero "No! Don't do that, it's what she wants! You're playing into her plan you idiot!!" Never fear, the conflict doesn't drag on or get ridiculous at any time. It's done in a timely manner.
However, what I found really important about The Forgotten Child was none of the above, it was the attention Lorhainne Eckhart brought to autism. I've read only one other romance novel where I suspected the hero had autism (The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley) but this was different. There was more focus on Brad's son Trevor and how his condition affected everyone involved. This was a young child who's condition went unacknowledged until Emily walked into his life. Lorhainne Eckhart gave detailed accounts of Trevor's outbursts and wrote them in such a way as to make me feel the same frustration and confusion that Emily did. It is only a small glimpse into the world of an autistic child and those who live, work, take care of and love them.
Even though more and more children are being diagnosed with autism, it is still a mystery to many people, myself included. If you have never met a child with autism then it can be a very unnerving experience, but remember to be patient and as understanding as possible.
I didn't expect I'd fall for the four main characters as hard as I did, but The Forgotten Child is an amazing book, not just for a romance fan like myself, but for single parents who may or may not have a child with autism. It left me with a smile on my face but a small ache in my heart for all the Emily's and Brad's out there who don't always find each other. Overall a very sweet story that I could easily see as a movie one day.
December 14, 2011
Story Description:
He wasn’t looking to love again. But what he got was a woman who shook his lonely bitter world upside down, and touched him in a way no other woman could.
Emily Nelson, a courageous young mother, ends a loveless bitter marriage and strikes out on her own. She answers an ad as a cook and live-in caregiver to a three-year-old boy on a local ranch. Ranch owner Brad Friessen hires and moves in Emily and her daughter. But Emily soon discovers something’s seriously wrong with his boy. And the reclusive difficult man that hired her, can’t see the behavior and how delayed his son is. Emily researches, until she stumbles across what she suspects is the soft signs of autism. Now she must tell him. Give him hope, and help him come to terms with this neurological disorder—to take the necessary steps to get his child the help he needs.
As their lives become intertwined, it’s unavoidable the attraction—the connection that sparks between them. And just as they’re getting close, Brad's estranged wife Crystal returns after abandoning them two years earlier. In amongst the shock and confusion there’s one disturbing fact Brad can’t shake. How does she know so much of his personal business, the inner working of the ranch and Emily's relationship with his son?
Crystal must’ve had a plan as she somehow gains the upper hand, driving a wedge in the emotional bond forged between Brad, Emily and the children. The primary focus for care and therapy of three-year-old Trevor is diverted. The lengths Crystal will go—the lies—the greed, just to keep what’s hers are nothing short of cold and calculating. Emily’s forced out of the house. Brad fights to save his boy—to protect what’s his. And struggles over his greatest sacrifice—Emily, and the haunting question—has he ultimately lost her forever?
My Review:
Thirty-five-year old Emily had been married to Bob for 12 years but the marriage was stale and wasn’t going anywhere and Emily didn’t love Bob anymore. After telling him she was leaving and moving out with their young daughter, Katy, Emily finds a job as a live-in caregiver to a ranch owner, Brad and his troubled son, Trevor. However plain it is for Emily to see that something is seriously wrong with Trevor, it’s not so easy for Brad. After Emily does a lot of research online, she finally confronts Brad with the information that he can no longer ignore. He has to accept that his boy is different.
Things are also beginning to heat up between Emily and Brad when suddenly this arrogant, whirlwind of the Tazmanian devil comes sweeping through the house. It’s Brad’s wife, Crystal. She has to be the most ignorant, self-centered woman I’ve ever met and I detested her in the story. Not often a character affects me as much as Crystal did and that means the author did a fantastic job. I just wanted to shake this woman from head-to-toe. She had no interest whatsoever in her own child and undermined all the therapy that had been done with Trevor up to that point. Needless to say, she also drove a pretty thick wedge between Emily and Brad to the point that she moved out and was forced to find another job.
Brad is just sick with worry over losing Emily and Katy but has he lost them forever?? You definitely have to read this book to find out. I was hooked from the first page to the last. Excellent!!
He wasn’t looking to love again. But what he got was a woman who shook his lonely bitter world upside down, and touched him in a way no other woman could.
Emily Nelson, a courageous young mother, ends a loveless bitter marriage and strikes out on her own. She answers an ad as a cook and live-in caregiver to a three-year-old boy on a local ranch. Ranch owner Brad Friessen hires and moves in Emily and her daughter. But Emily soon discovers something’s seriously wrong with his boy. And the reclusive difficult man that hired her, can’t see the behavior and how delayed his son is. Emily researches, until she stumbles across what she suspects is the soft signs of autism. Now she must tell him. Give him hope, and help him come to terms with this neurological disorder—to take the necessary steps to get his child the help he needs.
As their lives become intertwined, it’s unavoidable the attraction—the connection that sparks between them. And just as they’re getting close, Brad's estranged wife Crystal returns after abandoning them two years earlier. In amongst the shock and confusion there’s one disturbing fact Brad can’t shake. How does she know so much of his personal business, the inner working of the ranch and Emily's relationship with his son?
Crystal must’ve had a plan as she somehow gains the upper hand, driving a wedge in the emotional bond forged between Brad, Emily and the children. The primary focus for care and therapy of three-year-old Trevor is diverted. The lengths Crystal will go—the lies—the greed, just to keep what’s hers are nothing short of cold and calculating. Emily’s forced out of the house. Brad fights to save his boy—to protect what’s his. And struggles over his greatest sacrifice—Emily, and the haunting question—has he ultimately lost her forever?
My Review:
Thirty-five-year old Emily had been married to Bob for 12 years but the marriage was stale and wasn’t going anywhere and Emily didn’t love Bob anymore. After telling him she was leaving and moving out with their young daughter, Katy, Emily finds a job as a live-in caregiver to a ranch owner, Brad and his troubled son, Trevor. However plain it is for Emily to see that something is seriously wrong with Trevor, it’s not so easy for Brad. After Emily does a lot of research online, she finally confronts Brad with the information that he can no longer ignore. He has to accept that his boy is different.
Things are also beginning to heat up between Emily and Brad when suddenly this arrogant, whirlwind of the Tazmanian devil comes sweeping through the house. It’s Brad’s wife, Crystal. She has to be the most ignorant, self-centered woman I’ve ever met and I detested her in the story. Not often a character affects me as much as Crystal did and that means the author did a fantastic job. I just wanted to shake this woman from head-to-toe. She had no interest whatsoever in her own child and undermined all the therapy that had been done with Trevor up to that point. Needless to say, she also drove a pretty thick wedge between Emily and Brad to the point that she moved out and was forced to find another job.
Brad is just sick with worry over losing Emily and Katy but has he lost them forever?? You definitely have to read this book to find out. I was hooked from the first page to the last. Excellent!!
November 16, 2020
Emily is recently separated and has be offered a live in position looking after a three year old boy and cooking three meals a day. Before long she realizes that things are not quite right with Trevor. His father Brad did not voice any concerns, so Emily scrolled through the internet inputting concerns until such time as she had enough data to take to Brad that woukd support her findings of autism.
Although things seem to be progressing nicely with Trevor and Brad and Emily's relationship, everything went to he'll when Brady's wife, moved back in.
Crystal arrived back and moved in bag and baggage. She was obviously high maintenance and rude. Emily was confused and Brad was furious. Although Emily didn't know or understand, Crystal had Brad over a barrel. He had never applied for a legal separation, he had not started divorce proceedings and he had continued to support her lavish lifestyle. Brady's lawyer told him not to make waves until they could get a handle on how she knew so much about his life without her. He was also afraid of her claim to go fir legal custody of Trevor although she had left them days after his birth, had refused to care for him and had never called to ask about him. As the story progressed I couldn't help but think. "I love it, when a plan comes together,"
The author has made us feel the pain of familial emotion, anger at a vicious and cold woman who did not understand the love of a woman for her child or any sense of loyalty. An excellent, heart strings pulling story.
Although things seem to be progressing nicely with Trevor and Brad and Emily's relationship, everything went to he'll when Brady's wife, moved back in.
Crystal arrived back and moved in bag and baggage. She was obviously high maintenance and rude. Emily was confused and Brad was furious. Although Emily didn't know or understand, Crystal had Brad over a barrel. He had never applied for a legal separation, he had not started divorce proceedings and he had continued to support her lavish lifestyle. Brady's lawyer told him not to make waves until they could get a handle on how she knew so much about his life without her. He was also afraid of her claim to go fir legal custody of Trevor although she had left them days after his birth, had refused to care for him and had never called to ask about him. As the story progressed I couldn't help but think. "I love it, when a plan comes together,"
The author has made us feel the pain of familial emotion, anger at a vicious and cold woman who did not understand the love of a woman for her child or any sense of loyalty. An excellent, heart strings pulling story.
January 20, 2014
This book got me mad. So many kids are mistreated and misdiagnosed in our country every day. They do not get the proper treatment and are thrown in "Screaming Rooms". I felt so bad for Brad and his son. There is some one I love that is very close to me that had tendencies of Autism. This is a subject close to my heart. I try to spread Autism Awareness however I can. That is why this book is getting a 5/5 from me. The author wrote an unprejudiced account of a 3 year old with a disorder and his loved ones. I was so happy when Emily told Brad and they both were doing the best for Trevor. I really liked their budding romance as well. It was built on the love of their children. Brad's ex-wife has other plans. She does not care who she hurts in her path of selfishness. As I read towards the end of the book I was really hoping that Brad and Emily would end up together. However things do not always go as planned. Especially with conniving ex-wives. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review from OrangeBerry Book Tours, however all opinions are my own. - See more at: http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/2...
July 28, 2014
I love, love, love this book for oh so many reasons, not the least of which is it's treatment of a tough and contensious subject like autism. As an officially diagnosed adult autistic, the author navigates some tricky waters and hits the right notes with every turn. She every suggests the Autism Society instead of that other, greedy, vile, deceitful organization that is only interested in eugenics and cure. I'm looking forward to readin more and seeing Treavor groe and thrive with two loving, caring parents.
Speaking of two exceptional parents, this book is after all a romance, and a good one at that. I'll not spoil thevread with details butcsimply say it will not dissapoint either. Again, I'm looking forward to more!
All around a wonderful book, with relevant links at the end for those with children like Treavor or myself. I could have used a set of parents like that myself. But I did have a great Mom who helped me become the woman I am today. Again, wonder book, well worth the time. Thank you.
Speaking of two exceptional parents, this book is after all a romance, and a good one at that. I'll not spoil thevread with details butcsimply say it will not dissapoint either. Again, I'm looking forward to more!
All around a wonderful book, with relevant links at the end for those with children like Treavor or myself. I could have used a set of parents like that myself. But I did have a great Mom who helped me become the woman I am today. Again, wonder book, well worth the time. Thank you.
January 19, 2012
I received this ebook, "The Forgotten Child", from the author Lorhainne Eckhart.The Forgotten Child is a awesome book full of emotional intensity that carries the reader into Emily's world where she is fed up with her no-good husband and decides the time has come to make a long-needed change. She takes her daughter Katy and hires on as housekeeper, nanny and cook for Brad who is a rancher and a father to an autistic son. It takes Emily some time to make Brad aware that the problems with his son are medical ones and that he needs special care and attention. Just as Emily settles into her position in the house and into a budding romantic role with her boss, his runaway wife returns and upsets the whole apple cart. Poor Emily is ousted and humiliated until Brad sees what's really going on and takes steps to straighten out the mess in his life. Until the end, a lot of heartache and trauma happen that force the reader to keep turning the pages.
November 13, 2011
The Forgotten Child is a book full of emotional intensity that carries the reader into Emily's world where she is fed up with her no-good husband and decides the time has come to make a long-needed change. She takes her daughter Katy and hires on as housekeeper, nanny and cook for Brad who is a rancher and a father to an autistic son. It takes Emily some time to make Brad aware that the problems with his son are medical ones and that he needs special care and attention. Just as Emily settles into her position in the house and into a budding romantic role with her boss, his runaway wife returns and upsets the whole apple cart. Poor Emily is ousted and humiliated until Brad sees what's really going on and takes steps to straighten out the mess in his life. Until the end, a lot of heartache and trauma happen that force the reader to keep turning the pages.
November 20, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, I thought it was well written, had an outstanding plot. I have read one other book from this author which I also enjoyed. I enjoy her books so much that I bought 2 complete series. I can't wait to read the rest of the ones I bought.
When reading this book you get well into the people, you want to slap the wife, really tear off a big piece of her butt. You feel so sorry for the husband and his cook. Awww his poor son, it just breaks your heart. I loved the ending, really was an outstanding book. I even laughed a few times. I would have just loved it had it had more humor that makes you laugh out loud. Besides that it was well worth the read and the price.
When reading this book you get well into the people, you want to slap the wife, really tear off a big piece of her butt. You feel so sorry for the husband and his cook. Awww his poor son, it just breaks your heart. I loved the ending, really was an outstanding book. I even laughed a few times. I would have just loved it had it had more humor that makes you laugh out loud. Besides that it was well worth the read and the price.
January 16, 2015
This story takes a good look into the early life of of an autistic child and what the people around that child will endure along with being a romance story. The story follows a father who's wife ran out after having a child. Not only does she leave but he knows, as the child gets older, there is something wrong. After hiring a woman (Emily) to take care of his child does she help him understand the child is autistic. Then hell ensues when the mother makes her reappearance. This is a battle that puts the little boy and Emily and her child right in the middle.
This was a very good story to read. I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
This was a very good story to read. I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
October 31, 2020
I soooooo loved this book it was so well written and flowed well from one thing to next. I thought the author the way portrayed the ex-wife was awesome, just when you thought maybe Crystal had a potential redeeming quality it was yanked away with her actions or behavior. The cold calculated way Crystal hurt her own child to meet her own ends was truly despicable, I just wanted to slap her myself.
This Review was originally posted here https://laurasbookbinge.wordpress.com...
This Review was originally posted here https://laurasbookbinge.wordpress.com...
November 23, 2014
Struggling with if this book is 2 or 3 stars. I picked this book up because I thought the autism part of it sounded interesting. I liked Emily, but she was too much of a pushover. I also felt like the book was possibly misogynistic; Emily kept saying she wanted a man to take care of her and Brad didn't treat Emily as an equal. Brad wasn't that likeable; he got better as the book went on, but was mean and rude when Emily fell in love with him. So that made me question Emily. However, I did keep reading the book and didn't abandon it, so that's better than the last book I attempted!
July 27, 2013
The story was predictable and the characters were not well developed. I guess I also dislike a book that starts with a woman leaving her husband - because she doesn't love him anymore.
The forgotten child is also an inappropriate title for this book as the child plays such a small role in the story - it's really not about him at all. Maybe the forgotten marriage or the forgotten wife or maybe that's the point - the child really is forgotten!
The forgotten child is also an inappropriate title for this book as the child plays such a small role in the story - it's really not about him at all. Maybe the forgotten marriage or the forgotten wife or maybe that's the point - the child really is forgotten!
February 22, 2015
Loved this book, believable characters and story line. As usual Ms. Eckhart has written a great book. Imagine being married with a child and then you are divorced, on your own with a small child, no money and no hopes of landing a good job. Emily was in that place, no money no hopes, she answered an ad for a Caregiver and Cook, her life a s she knows it will suddenly change. This book also gives us a little insight into what it would be like to raise a child with special needs.
November 28, 2014
Book was totally awesome, How Emily finds a job as a caregiver to a child she falls in love with, and then falls in love with Brad (Trevor's father). Only to be chase away by Crystal the Bitch from hell. How Brad finds Emily and still fall back in love with Emily and they start a family before they are both divorce from their ex's.
December 21, 2011
Lorhainne Eckhart has done a great job of writing a love story that is very real and believable. I found myself getting emotionally involved with the characters and the plot. It is a tale triumph over love over greed and selfishness. Loved it!
July 21, 2014
Excellent read
Excellent read
could not put it down. brad and Emily are now a couple I like to follow throughout their relationship. Excellent writing keeping you glued to the book.
Excellent read
could not put it down. brad and Emily are now a couple I like to follow throughout their relationship. Excellent writing keeping you glued to the book.
December 13, 2019
So.... She's a doormat who finally got thr nerve to break free (BTDT), only to fall for a married guy with anger management issues and 1950s gender role entitlements, to say nothing of a uncontrollable kid.
And they keep having sex without a fucking condom.
Jesus fucking christ. 🙄
And they keep having sex without a fucking condom.
Jesus fucking christ. 🙄
July 3, 2012
This book was Fantastic, once I started I could not stop....
August 30, 2012
Worst edited book I've ever read.
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