What do you think?
Rate this book
Chicago Sisters #1
The Better Man
This might be his last chance at fatherhood…
Kendall Montgomery's six-year-old son has barely spoken in the past year, locked in his world of silent grief. Then one day, he spots his dead father across a crowded street.
Max Jordan moved to Chicago to be closer to his own son and prove he can be a better father than his deadbeat dad. His striking resemblance to Kendall's husband and his track record with fatherhood make her determined to keep her distance…until Max helps her little boy come out of his shell. But can she trust him with their future? How can she be sure he won't take off just when they need him most?
Kendall Montgomery's six-year-old son has barely spoken in the past year, locked in his world of silent grief. Then one day, he spots his dead father across a crowded street.
Max Jordan moved to Chicago to be closer to his own son and prove he can be a better father than his deadbeat dad. His striking resemblance to Kendall's husband and his track record with fatherhood make her determined to keep her distance…until Max helps her little boy come out of his shell. But can she trust him with their future? How can she be sure he won't take off just when they need him most?
Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
4 people are currently reading
434 people want to read
About the author
Amy Vastine
79 books654 followersAmy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily-ever-afters for all to read. Amy is an empty-nester living outside of Chicago with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband and their two sweet but mischievous pups. Visit her at amyvastine.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 2, 2016
I have conflicting views on this story but I must go with my gut on this. While I thought the writing by Amy Vastine was very good and the pleasantness of reading a clean story that didn't include the invariable f-bomb on every page and blatant sex on every other, it was the actual story-line that I did not care for at times. It was intermittent but there were aspects of this story that I just didn't tolerate well. I know there has to be some angst and/or controversy in every book but I didn't care for the custody issue contained within and didn't see it as close to realistic, not in the US anyway. The ex-wife was a very mean spirited person. In fact most of the time I felt she was portrayed as mentally unstable. Scenes in which the ex was present or being discussed left me feeling irritated, bewildered and angry that something had not been done legally to allow this man to see his son. Max had not been present much during the first three years of his son's life and worked very long hours.
When his son was three-months old his wife left him and moved across country to punish him and because she was too focused on herself to care for a very colicky baby and expected Max to do more than he could. Personally, I think he stayed away from home for one very good reason: The hostile wife, now ex-wife. He even commented that divorcing her was easy...being cut out of his son's life because she thought Max was 'bad' for his child was the difficult part and quite ridiculous. The woman rants at her ex loudly in public (enough that it frightened the woman and her child that was sitting with him) and she does this with their son present. If you ask me, she was an unfit parent.
Our hero, Max Jordan, was not the perfect father but he wanted to do better. He had a such a strong desire to have a relationship with his young son that he relocated across the country to be near him. Yet after all that the evil ex refused to even let Max visit. It didn't take her long to find a man and remarry, a very rich man I might add. Then to top it off she filed a lawsuit to have Max legal rights to his son terminated because she thought her new husband was a better father. In my opinion she gave Max next to nil of a chance to be a father and I despised her throughout the book. Her behavior, and getting off scot-free without being held accountable for her despicable behavior was enough to cause me to significantly lower my rating of this book.
Our heroine, Kendall Montgomery, is a widow. Her husband was killed while in the service and she is raising her selective-mute son on her own. He had not talked to anyone but her and his grandma since his father was killed. One day her son began yelling for his dad in public. He had seen someone who was the mirror image of his father and was trying to get his attention. When they all finally met the resemblance was uncanny and the three of them developed a friendship.
I read to escape...to take me to a happy place...but I didn't feel that with this book. It left me frustrated and unsatisfied. I won't be reading anymore of this series. I don't like the disappointment.
When his son was three-months old his wife left him and moved across country to punish him and because she was too focused on herself to care for a very colicky baby and expected Max to do more than he could. Personally, I think he stayed away from home for one very good reason: The hostile wife, now ex-wife. He even commented that divorcing her was easy...being cut out of his son's life because she thought Max was 'bad' for his child was the difficult part and quite ridiculous. The woman rants at her ex loudly in public (enough that it frightened the woman and her child that was sitting with him) and she does this with their son present. If you ask me, she was an unfit parent.
Our hero, Max Jordan, was not the perfect father but he wanted to do better. He had a such a strong desire to have a relationship with his young son that he relocated across the country to be near him. Yet after all that the evil ex refused to even let Max visit. It didn't take her long to find a man and remarry, a very rich man I might add. Then to top it off she filed a lawsuit to have Max legal rights to his son terminated because she thought her new husband was a better father. In my opinion she gave Max next to nil of a chance to be a father and I despised her throughout the book. Her behavior, and getting off scot-free without being held accountable for her despicable behavior was enough to cause me to significantly lower my rating of this book.
Our heroine, Kendall Montgomery, is a widow. Her husband was killed while in the service and she is raising her selective-mute son on her own. He had not talked to anyone but her and his grandma since his father was killed. One day her son began yelling for his dad in public. He had seen someone who was the mirror image of his father and was trying to get his attention. When they all finally met the resemblance was uncanny and the three of them developed a friendship.
I read to escape...to take me to a happy place...but I didn't feel that with this book. It left me frustrated and unsatisfied. I won't be reading anymore of this series. I don't like the disappointment.
September 3, 2016
What a great adventure Amy took me on, you all! There are just enough sub plots happening, that it made reading about all of these characters so fulfilling and fun. It’s heartbreaking to read about Kendall’s son Simon, and the issues he begins to have after the death of his father but what struck my heart strings even more was the way he picked up on things Kendall had no idea he had picked up on (end of information over load there, no spoilers for you).
Then there’s Max Jordan, who breaks my heart in his very own way, as he tries to establish a relationship with his own son after not truly being a part of his life for the first three years. The way he second guesses himself and his ability to be a good dad makes me ache for him, while at the same time I’m going, “but look how great you are with Simon without hardly any effort!” – I might have had a few conversations with these people throughout my reading journey. Maybe.
Then there’s the introduction of Kendall’s sisters, who I know each have their own story to tell after this one. I loved getting to know them just a little bit before Amy graces us with their own journeys next.
Even Max’s neighbor, who adorably calls him “third floor”, was making me giggle throughout the story.
It’s all about the details, people.
And the twist. Which I refuse to ruin for you. But let me just say, Amy. Well flipping done, my friend. Because you know I love stuff like this. And the way you wove this tale, and took me along for the ride, quite willingly, I might add . . . and revealed everything just the way it was supposed to be revealed, at the exact time it needed to be revealed . . . made me smile so big. I just love the way my heart was happy for (almost) everyone, in the end.
I love that all her pictures on her Pinterest board make sense now and the only thing that would have made this perfecto would be if Ryan Gosling was on the cover of this book. Because yes, I was totally picturing him the entire way through.
Bring on Sister #2!
Cannot wait!
Thank you for the words, Amy. I will never forget them and cannot wait to receive my paperback so I can place it right next to The Weather Girl for all time.
Then there’s Max Jordan, who breaks my heart in his very own way, as he tries to establish a relationship with his own son after not truly being a part of his life for the first three years. The way he second guesses himself and his ability to be a good dad makes me ache for him, while at the same time I’m going, “but look how great you are with Simon without hardly any effort!” – I might have had a few conversations with these people throughout my reading journey. Maybe.
Then there’s the introduction of Kendall’s sisters, who I know each have their own story to tell after this one. I loved getting to know them just a little bit before Amy graces us with their own journeys next.
Even Max’s neighbor, who adorably calls him “third floor”, was making me giggle throughout the story.
It’s all about the details, people.
And the twist. Which I refuse to ruin for you. But let me just say, Amy. Well flipping done, my friend. Because you know I love stuff like this. And the way you wove this tale, and took me along for the ride, quite willingly, I might add . . . and revealed everything just the way it was supposed to be revealed, at the exact time it needed to be revealed . . . made me smile so big. I just love the way my heart was happy for (almost) everyone, in the end.
I love that all her pictures on her Pinterest board make sense now and the only thing that would have made this perfecto would be if Ryan Gosling was on the cover of this book. Because yes, I was totally picturing him the entire way through.
Bring on Sister #2!
Cannot wait!
Thank you for the words, Amy. I will never forget them and cannot wait to receive my paperback so I can place it right next to The Weather Girl for all time.
Read
August 3, 2019Reread. I loved this book just as much the second time around, three years after first reading it. I love Amy Vastine's writing and think she's a treasure of the romance genre: she lets her characters lead with their harmful flaws and it's still a symphony of sympathy, empathy, and compassion. This book goes deep with the emotions, deep with interesting characters, and I'd actually recommend it to readers of romance-adjacent fiction (like mainstream women's fiction), because it focuses so heavily on the character development arcs and the complicated emotional situations.
I do have some mixed feelings about how race is handled in this book. The main characters are all white, but there are multiple (!) minor characters who are of Asian descent (! different Asian ethnicities, even! it's a romance novel miracle!), and while I winced at some of the interactions (mostly in the "why would you include this particular exchange if you don't want to be alienating to non-white readers?" kind of way), those incidents were minor in the scheme of things.
I do have some mixed feelings about how race is handled in this book. The main characters are all white, but there are multiple (!) minor characters who are of Asian descent (! different Asian ethnicities, even! it's a romance novel miracle!), and while I winced at some of the interactions (mostly in the "why would you include this particular exchange if you don't want to be alienating to non-white readers?" kind of way), those incidents were minor in the scheme of things.
September 15, 2014
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
As soon as I heard of the tour for The Better Man and noticed it was written by Amy Vastine I immediately signed-up. I really enjoyed Amy her first book Th Weather Girl and I was excited to have the chance to read this one as well.
The Better Man is an emotionally charged story about two people who had a hard live and still go through a lot. There where happy and sad moment and it could be hard to see them struggle sometimes, but when they finally get their good and hopeful moments, it was beautiful to see. This book had me hooked from the start and I really enjoyed the story. I was right there beside the characters following their ups and down and wondering if things ever would get right for everyone.
I really liked all the characters in this book. Kendall was trying so hard to be the best mother she could be for her son Simon, while also still carrying around some problems of her own. Her sons SImon has selective mutism and it was so sad to see sometimes how hard life must be for this boy. Simon was such a great kid when he did speak and he added a lof ot fun to the book as well. I especially liked his interactions with Max and how he kept asking questions. Max is a great main character, he made mistakes in the past, but he's doing everything he can to do better now. It isn't easy, but I liked seeing him change during this book and towards the end he makes such a good decisions and I liked him even more. The side characters are interesting as well, it seems like they all have their own story and I have the feeling Kendall her sister's might get their own book, that's how much depth there was behind them. The side characters all had their own motives and personalities and made the whole story feel much more real, they filled the pages and I liked reading about them all.
While this book has been categorized as a romance I felt like the romance took a back-seat to everything else going on. I felt like it fitted the story, but it just felt a bit weird to go in expecting a romance novel, the romance felt like a side plot to me, it's not the main focus. In my opinion the story and the characters are the focus of this book. That said I did like the romance, but I wished there was a little more depth, There aren't many scenes where Kendall and Max where together and while I certainly thought there was something between them, once their relationship started I just didn't feel their love. They where good friends and the potential was there, but the romance just didn't convince and I think I would've liked it more if the romance had more time to develop.
To conclude: I really enjoyed this story, it had some really sad and some really happy moments. The characters where what made this book shine, they all had a past, personality and motives, even the side characters. This book has a fun and quirky cast of characters and I enjoyed seeing them interact with each other. I felt the romance took a bit of a back-seat to everything else going on and when there was romance I didn't really feel it and wished it would have taken them a bit longer to get there. All in all a great book and I am looking forward to reading what Amy writes next!
As soon as I heard of the tour for The Better Man and noticed it was written by Amy Vastine I immediately signed-up. I really enjoyed Amy her first book Th Weather Girl and I was excited to have the chance to read this one as well.
The Better Man is an emotionally charged story about two people who had a hard live and still go through a lot. There where happy and sad moment and it could be hard to see them struggle sometimes, but when they finally get their good and hopeful moments, it was beautiful to see. This book had me hooked from the start and I really enjoyed the story. I was right there beside the characters following their ups and down and wondering if things ever would get right for everyone.
I really liked all the characters in this book. Kendall was trying so hard to be the best mother she could be for her son Simon, while also still carrying around some problems of her own. Her sons SImon has selective mutism and it was so sad to see sometimes how hard life must be for this boy. Simon was such a great kid when he did speak and he added a lof ot fun to the book as well. I especially liked his interactions with Max and how he kept asking questions. Max is a great main character, he made mistakes in the past, but he's doing everything he can to do better now. It isn't easy, but I liked seeing him change during this book and towards the end he makes such a good decisions and I liked him even more. The side characters are interesting as well, it seems like they all have their own story and I have the feeling Kendall her sister's might get their own book, that's how much depth there was behind them. The side characters all had their own motives and personalities and made the whole story feel much more real, they filled the pages and I liked reading about them all.
While this book has been categorized as a romance I felt like the romance took a back-seat to everything else going on. I felt like it fitted the story, but it just felt a bit weird to go in expecting a romance novel, the romance felt like a side plot to me, it's not the main focus. In my opinion the story and the characters are the focus of this book. That said I did like the romance, but I wished there was a little more depth, There aren't many scenes where Kendall and Max where together and while I certainly thought there was something between them, once their relationship started I just didn't feel their love. They where good friends and the potential was there, but the romance just didn't convince and I think I would've liked it more if the romance had more time to develop.
To conclude: I really enjoyed this story, it had some really sad and some really happy moments. The characters where what made this book shine, they all had a past, personality and motives, even the side characters. This book has a fun and quirky cast of characters and I enjoyed seeing them interact with each other. I felt the romance took a bit of a back-seat to everything else going on and when there was romance I didn't really feel it and wished it would have taken them a bit longer to get there. All in all a great book and I am looking forward to reading what Amy writes next!
September 16, 2014
This author has become a go-to for me. I love the way she spins a tale and can keep you interested.
Kendall deals with more than any widow/single mom should have to. Her husband Trevor a Marine died during combat. When he died so much was going on that their son Simon stopped talking to anyone but his mom and grandma. Kendall felt like she was failing him, he hated going to school and he was just sad most of the time. One day after she picks him up from school after another episode, he sees his dad getting in to a cab and runs after him almost running right in to the street. The man looked so much like Trevor that it's completely understandable why Simon would think it was him. Chalking it up to the old saying that everyone has a twin somewhere, Kendall explains to Simon that while he looked like his dad, his dad was most definitely not coming back from Heaven. Besides they probably won't ever see this guy again. Chicago is a big town, it would be highly unlikely their paths would cross again.
Max has screwed up big time. He's let another man take responsibility for his son for the last three years and now that his rights as a father are being threatened he's dropped everything in California to move to Chicago and fight for his son. Little did he know that he'd meet a woman and child that could help him in that pursuit. What he doesn't know is that he bears and uncanny resemblance to her dead husband. I'm not talking, oh he has the same eyebrows or nose, he's just about a carbon copy of the dead man. Max is totally freaked out by it. He deals with it though because he discovers that his relationship with Kendall has more going for it than just a character witness, she means more and so does Simon. They help him realize that it doesn't matter what the path was to get to Aiden, his son, its just that he's there now and wants to be there.
Loved their love story and how it played out. Nothing just happened, they worked for it, like in the real world. I loved her sisters and parents. I could of done without her father in law Paul, he was condescending and rude to her at every turn. The big plot twist was pretty cool and I loved how everyone reacted to it. On another note I loved the reactions that everyone in Kendall's family had when they saw Max for the first time, it was awesome! Run and get this book!! You won't be disappointed!
Kendall deals with more than any widow/single mom should have to. Her husband Trevor a Marine died during combat. When he died so much was going on that their son Simon stopped talking to anyone but his mom and grandma. Kendall felt like she was failing him, he hated going to school and he was just sad most of the time. One day after she picks him up from school after another episode, he sees his dad getting in to a cab and runs after him almost running right in to the street. The man looked so much like Trevor that it's completely understandable why Simon would think it was him. Chalking it up to the old saying that everyone has a twin somewhere, Kendall explains to Simon that while he looked like his dad, his dad was most definitely not coming back from Heaven. Besides they probably won't ever see this guy again. Chicago is a big town, it would be highly unlikely their paths would cross again.
Max has screwed up big time. He's let another man take responsibility for his son for the last three years and now that his rights as a father are being threatened he's dropped everything in California to move to Chicago and fight for his son. Little did he know that he'd meet a woman and child that could help him in that pursuit. What he doesn't know is that he bears and uncanny resemblance to her dead husband. I'm not talking, oh he has the same eyebrows or nose, he's just about a carbon copy of the dead man. Max is totally freaked out by it. He deals with it though because he discovers that his relationship with Kendall has more going for it than just a character witness, she means more and so does Simon. They help him realize that it doesn't matter what the path was to get to Aiden, his son, its just that he's there now and wants to be there.
Loved their love story and how it played out. Nothing just happened, they worked for it, like in the real world. I loved her sisters and parents. I could of done without her father in law Paul, he was condescending and rude to her at every turn. The big plot twist was pretty cool and I loved how everyone reacted to it. On another note I loved the reactions that everyone in Kendall's family had when they saw Max for the first time, it was awesome! Run and get this book!! You won't be disappointed!
October 31, 2014
First of all, I can't imagine losing my spouse, but then trying to deal with the effects it has on my kids would be overwhelming. Kendall has a son who is mute most of the time since his father's passing. It's now up to her to build a name for herself in her new business, with her friend, partner, and design school buddy, Owen, as well as deal with her son's issues--and it seems that the school is constantly calling her.
One day, Max is spotted by this mother and son and his resemblance to her deceased husband is shocking. All of the sudden, her son is speaking again.
Max hasn't been the best father, but it's never too late to start. Moving to Chicago in order to be closer to his three year old son, Max is trying to change who he is and to line up his priorities. I love that Max isn't perfect, but he's trying to be a better person, a better man. His relationship with his ex is very rocky, but the effort he makes to be better is very evident in these situations. I loved watching the results that occurred by Max's efforts.
Kendall is facing reality now. She's a very talented and gifted designer and artist and is now able to use those abilities to make a living. Based off of her life experiences and relationships, she's a little gun-shy, with good reason. I loved watching her evolve. Being a mother isn't easy and doing what's best for your kids isn't always easy, either, but, as Kendall learns, the hard things are often the most rewarding.
There were some twists and turns that were shocking and almost a little uncomfortable, but it was still a great story!
Content: mild language; no violence; kissing, talk of infidelity, but necessary to the storyline and not graphic. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
One day, Max is spotted by this mother and son and his resemblance to her deceased husband is shocking. All of the sudden, her son is speaking again.
Max hasn't been the best father, but it's never too late to start. Moving to Chicago in order to be closer to his three year old son, Max is trying to change who he is and to line up his priorities. I love that Max isn't perfect, but he's trying to be a better person, a better man. His relationship with his ex is very rocky, but the effort he makes to be better is very evident in these situations. I loved watching the results that occurred by Max's efforts.
Kendall is facing reality now. She's a very talented and gifted designer and artist and is now able to use those abilities to make a living. Based off of her life experiences and relationships, she's a little gun-shy, with good reason. I loved watching her evolve. Being a mother isn't easy and doing what's best for your kids isn't always easy, either, but, as Kendall learns, the hard things are often the most rewarding.
There were some twists and turns that were shocking and almost a little uncomfortable, but it was still a great story!
Content: mild language; no violence; kissing, talk of infidelity, but necessary to the storyline and not graphic. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
September 19, 2014
I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review which I've given. This review originally appeared on my blog Christy's Cozy Corners.
I absolutely adored The Better Man! I really love reading sweet and clean romance books. Just like the description suggests, they are "heartwarming." They don't have steamy love scenes. They are two normal people falling in love and usually overcoming some difficulties.
Kendall's difficulty lies in her son Simon's inability to communicate since his father's death. He is struggling in school and has panic attacks that cause Kendall's life to be very chaotic. She is frequently called into his school for conferences or to pick him up after he has one of his breakdowns. This interferes with her work schedule. But thankfully her partner in their mutually owned interior design firm is totally on her side and steps in when he needs to.
Their current job leads to Kendall meeting Max, the manager of the restaurant they are doing the design for. Max has his own difficulties with his ex-wife. Some of the difficulties are Max's fault and he knows it. But he's trying to rectify his lack of involvement in his son's life.
When Simon first sees Max he thinks that Max is his dead father...and Kendall agrees. Max looks exactly like her late husband, with very few differences. Simon starts breaking his silence with Max and healing begins.
This story is so sweet! I love the characters, and can't wait to read more books about Kendall's sisters. Amy has definitely become one of my new favorite authors!
I highly recommend this book!
I absolutely adored The Better Man! I really love reading sweet and clean romance books. Just like the description suggests, they are "heartwarming." They don't have steamy love scenes. They are two normal people falling in love and usually overcoming some difficulties.
Kendall's difficulty lies in her son Simon's inability to communicate since his father's death. He is struggling in school and has panic attacks that cause Kendall's life to be very chaotic. She is frequently called into his school for conferences or to pick him up after he has one of his breakdowns. This interferes with her work schedule. But thankfully her partner in their mutually owned interior design firm is totally on her side and steps in when he needs to.
Their current job leads to Kendall meeting Max, the manager of the restaurant they are doing the design for. Max has his own difficulties with his ex-wife. Some of the difficulties are Max's fault and he knows it. But he's trying to rectify his lack of involvement in his son's life.
When Simon first sees Max he thinks that Max is his dead father...and Kendall agrees. Max looks exactly like her late husband, with very few differences. Simon starts breaking his silence with Max and healing begins.
This story is so sweet! I love the characters, and can't wait to read more books about Kendall's sisters. Amy has definitely become one of my new favorite authors!
I highly recommend this book!
September 21, 2014
I knew right away when I saw this blog tour that I wanted to be a part of it. I read another book by Amy Vastine and really enjoyed it. Amy knows how to write a good, clean romance that is engaging. I'm a fan of Harlequin's Heartwarming line because I always know I'm going to get a clean romance without any surprises.
Kendall is a single mother trying to hold everything together. Her son, Simon, has some serious issues going on and Kendall is struggling. She just doesn’t know what to do to help him. Dealing with the death of her husband is hard, add on concerns for Simon, a big project for work, and a father in law who she can’t please no matter what she does and you have a recipe for a stress disaster.
Max is a walking disaster of his own making. To his credit though, he is trying to change and be better. You’ve got admire that. It isn’t his fault that he is almost the spitting image of Kendall’s dead husband which causes all kinds of awkwardness as Kendall and Max have to work together.
The relationship between Max and Kendall grows slowly and as it does, we learn more back history about them both. The unfolding process was well written. Max and Kendall struggle separately and they struggle together. Of course, my favorite bits are when they support each other.
The characters in this book are all so real and engaging. Simon is a great addition to this book and really made it feel like a made for TV movie or something. Honestly. This should be a Hallmark show! :)
Kendall is a single mother trying to hold everything together. Her son, Simon, has some serious issues going on and Kendall is struggling. She just doesn’t know what to do to help him. Dealing with the death of her husband is hard, add on concerns for Simon, a big project for work, and a father in law who she can’t please no matter what she does and you have a recipe for a stress disaster.
Max is a walking disaster of his own making. To his credit though, he is trying to change and be better. You’ve got admire that. It isn’t his fault that he is almost the spitting image of Kendall’s dead husband which causes all kinds of awkwardness as Kendall and Max have to work together.
The relationship between Max and Kendall grows slowly and as it does, we learn more back history about them both. The unfolding process was well written. Max and Kendall struggle separately and they struggle together. Of course, my favorite bits are when they support each other.
The characters in this book are all so real and engaging. Simon is a great addition to this book and really made it feel like a made for TV movie or something. Honestly. This should be a Hallmark show! :)
September 25, 2014
I enjoyed reading this book! Amy Vastine has taken a realistic look at family and what it means to be a good parent.
Max has trust issues. His father abandoned him and his mother before he was born. He didn't understand that paying child support on time did not equate being a good father. Now, he has moved to the same city as his son and ex-wife. He wants to be a part of his son's life, but isn't sure how to go about it.
Kendall is the mother of a boy with select mutism. Her husband died as a soldier in Afghanistan. She struggles to make ends meet and take care of the unique needs of her son.
The twist in this story lies in the fact that Max looks like the twin of Kendall's deceased husband. Her son, Simon, makes an instant connection with Max. He begins to open up. The issue is determining if he trust Max because of his resemblance to his father, or because of Max's merits alone.
I can't say there was anything that I didn't like about this book. I loved the emphasis on family and what it really means to be a good parent. I enjoyed the look at taking care of children with disabilities. I loved that Amy Vastine showed that good parents put their children first, despite their own insecurities and feelings.
This is a great, clean, romance book. I look forward to reading more books of Amy's in the future.
Max has trust issues. His father abandoned him and his mother before he was born. He didn't understand that paying child support on time did not equate being a good father. Now, he has moved to the same city as his son and ex-wife. He wants to be a part of his son's life, but isn't sure how to go about it.
Kendall is the mother of a boy with select mutism. Her husband died as a soldier in Afghanistan. She struggles to make ends meet and take care of the unique needs of her son.
The twist in this story lies in the fact that Max looks like the twin of Kendall's deceased husband. Her son, Simon, makes an instant connection with Max. He begins to open up. The issue is determining if he trust Max because of his resemblance to his father, or because of Max's merits alone.
I can't say there was anything that I didn't like about this book. I loved the emphasis on family and what it really means to be a good parent. I enjoyed the look at taking care of children with disabilities. I loved that Amy Vastine showed that good parents put their children first, despite their own insecurities and feelings.
This is a great, clean, romance book. I look forward to reading more books of Amy's in the future.
September 24, 2014
First of all, this is a clean romance that will appeal to all romance lovers who do not want profanity, violence, nor bedroom scenes. You will find none of that in this book. You will find a sweet romance that ensures happily ever after with a few twists along the way. And a few of those twists are awfully clever.
There are a couple things about the book that truly stand out as dynamic stylistic characteristics. For one thing, the author switched back and forth between the man's and women's perspective. Not all authors have the knack for doing that, but this author does. I also appreciate the fact that the author introduces a child who is grieving the death of his father in a unique way. I found that to be a realistic element that will connect with others who have been in that position.
For me, the book was sometimes lacking for me. I did appreciate the humor, but a few times I felt it fell a bit flat. The characters are fantastic, but sometimes the story just did not connect with me. More than likely, the fact that the book is a simple romance is more the reasons that I was sometimes a bit slow. Just my opinion.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
There are a couple things about the book that truly stand out as dynamic stylistic characteristics. For one thing, the author switched back and forth between the man's and women's perspective. Not all authors have the knack for doing that, but this author does. I also appreciate the fact that the author introduces a child who is grieving the death of his father in a unique way. I found that to be a realistic element that will connect with others who have been in that position.
For me, the book was sometimes lacking for me. I did appreciate the humor, but a few times I felt it fell a bit flat. The characters are fantastic, but sometimes the story just did not connect with me. More than likely, the fact that the book is a simple romance is more the reasons that I was sometimes a bit slow. Just my opinion.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
September 6, 2015
There is always a twin in all of us...
Perhaps that was the biggest surprise in this book when you have to read all the way close to the end to know the biggest secret of all that lays underneath the surprise encounter between Kendall and Max, the man who exactly look alike her dead husband, Trevor.
And the heartbreak part that Max has to endure during the battle custody between him and his ex-wife, Katie, who gave birth to Aidan, their son.
It's kind of rare to find a book that goes the to the longer story of telling of the heartbreaking and painful part of parents divorce in a romance, especially if it involves a child between them, how sometimes one parent will try to alienate the child to the other parent and make sure the child will hate the other parent more than the other to gain full custody or more child support.
Only wish the writer would extend the epilogue a little longer at end to a happy ending, but I have a feeling the author want to remain realistic that although Kendall and Max finally found a happy ending, but the journey ahead for them is just beginning and the healing process between Max and Katie and also Max with his parents too.
Perhaps that was the biggest surprise in this book when you have to read all the way close to the end to know the biggest secret of all that lays underneath the surprise encounter between Kendall and Max, the man who exactly look alike her dead husband, Trevor.
And the heartbreak part that Max has to endure during the battle custody between him and his ex-wife, Katie, who gave birth to Aidan, their son.
It's kind of rare to find a book that goes the to the longer story of telling of the heartbreaking and painful part of parents divorce in a romance, especially if it involves a child between them, how sometimes one parent will try to alienate the child to the other parent and make sure the child will hate the other parent more than the other to gain full custody or more child support.
Only wish the writer would extend the epilogue a little longer at end to a happy ending, but I have a feeling the author want to remain realistic that although Kendall and Max finally found a happy ending, but the journey ahead for them is just beginning and the healing process between Max and Katie and also Max with his parents too.
November 10, 2014
Kendall's husband is dead and her son won't speak in school. Until he sees his father--but that man can't be. Max Jordan is a restaurant manager, the spitting image of Kendall's husband. Simon talks to HIM when for others, he clams up, including with his paternal grandfather, who is convinced that Kendall doesn't know how to raise a son, HIS grandson.
Kendall's secrets prevent her from acknowledging how much she is attracted to Max and he to her--but his issues about fatherhood (from his own lack of a dad while growing up to his failure to parent his own 3 yr old boy) also stand in the way. He loves chatting with Simon, but why won't his own little boy respond as easily to his overtures?
How can can these scarred adults be healed by a little boy who understands that Max really isn't his father, but just looks like him?
Kendall's secrets prevent her from acknowledging how much she is attracted to Max and he to her--but his issues about fatherhood (from his own lack of a dad while growing up to his failure to parent his own 3 yr old boy) also stand in the way. He loves chatting with Simon, but why won't his own little boy respond as easily to his overtures?
How can can these scarred adults be healed by a little boy who understands that Max really isn't his father, but just looks like him?
December 7, 2014
This book was amazing! It grabbed my attention from page one! I simply could not put it down until I was finished. The character development was intense and quick, making me fall in love with the main characters by the second chapter. I was very intrigued to find out what had happened to them and what was going to fix them. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
February 25, 2015
I am quickly becoming one of Amy Vastine's biggest fans. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in her series. Frankly, I wish there were more sisters in this family for me to read. Do yourself a favor, and buy this book if you love believable romances. I could not put it down and for me, that's ususual. Standing ovation, Amy!
August 27, 2015
I have been in a bit of a funk lately and unable to read anything. A bit depressed I guess. But last night I picked up this book to try to get myself back in the groove and I could not put it down. I devoured it. It's such a great story and you can't help but to love the characters. It's a must read
September 16, 2014
I can't think of anything I didn't like in this book. Kendall is great, Max is greater and how the story turns out is the greatest:-) This was a very easy read with many characters that are easy to connect with. Problems were addressed leaving no loose ends. Really liked it!
September 17, 2014
When I received this book I didn't realize it was a Harlequin book, I usually only read Christian fiction or YA. I did enjoy this story line and and the people were interesting. It had an interesting twist that I didn't expect. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review.
Read
September 15, 2014Gobbled it up!
what great characters! I love how well thought out this story is and how developed the characters are! I couldn't put it down. Simon stole my heart chapter one, and Max omg Max is a swoon SOB.
what great characters! I love how well thought out this story is and how developed the characters are! I couldn't put it down. Simon stole my heart chapter one, and Max omg Max is a swoon SOB.
September 15, 2014
~Received for an honest review~
First time ever reading from this author and was completely impressed. Her work is well written and easy to follow. This particular storyline is heart grabbing. Emotional, and will have you planted once you started reading. Well done Amy Vastine!
First time ever reading from this author and was completely impressed. Her work is well written and easy to follow. This particular storyline is heart grabbing. Emotional, and will have you planted once you started reading. Well done Amy Vastine!
November 9, 2015
I really liked this book! It's full of all good things and the way every person can change and make thinks better.
I'll write a proper review soon!
I'll write a proper review soon!
September 8, 2014
So I really like this author. Great romance with side stories but not too wordy. A unique story line I didn't see coming. Enjoyed it. 4 solid stars can't wait to read about the other sisters!
September 16, 2014
I would read each and every book that this author gifts us, she is a really great story teller. Loved this story. Very well written, compelling characters and plot.
Read
January 12, 2016Miniseries: Chicago Sisters
April 14, 2018
Kendall & Max. A bit schmaltsy but SO much to like in this story.
Max is a very real hero as his flaws are evident early. This is quite a contrast to the alpha heroes in most of the romances I read. It is easy to relate to him.
Kendall has a real challenge with the special needs of her 6 year-old son, Simon.
The plot has no “filler” and really moves along !
This is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more by her. I will definitely look for the rest of the Chicago Sisters series.
Max is a very real hero as his flaws are evident early. This is quite a contrast to the alpha heroes in most of the romances I read. It is easy to relate to him.
Kendall has a real challenge with the special needs of her 6 year-old son, Simon.
The plot has no “filler” and really moves along !
This is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more by her. I will definitely look for the rest of the Chicago Sisters series.
May 27, 2023
Loved the story & happy ending
Read
September 13, 2014Excited to post my review next week. #TackleTBR
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews