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Apprentice Father
He’s in over his head with two grieving children.
She’s the nanny he needs.
Can he convince her to step into the fray?
Clay Adams isn’t equipped to deal with two traumatized children—but deserting the niece and nephew entrusted to his care isn’t an option. So he needs to find help. Fast.
Sought-after nanny Cate Shepard seems like the solution to his problem. But while she’s moved by the children’s plight and their floundering uncle, her own issues could make the job difficult.
When Clay at last convinces her to take the position, Cate quickly comes to love his niece and nephew … and her feelings for their uncle also begin to grow as the two of them join forces to give the children a stable and loving home. In fact … might a forever family be on the horizon for all of them?
In this HOLT Medallion finalist, bestselling author Irene Hannon takes listeners on a big-hearted journey to small-town America as she weaves a tale of shattered dreams and the healing power of love.
She’s the nanny he needs.
Can he convince her to step into the fray?
Clay Adams isn’t equipped to deal with two traumatized children—but deserting the niece and nephew entrusted to his care isn’t an option. So he needs to find help. Fast.
Sought-after nanny Cate Shepard seems like the solution to his problem. But while she’s moved by the children’s plight and their floundering uncle, her own issues could make the job difficult.
When Clay at last convinces her to take the position, Cate quickly comes to love his niece and nephew … and her feelings for their uncle also begin to grow as the two of them join forces to give the children a stable and loving home. In fact … might a forever family be on the horizon for all of them?
In this HOLT Medallion finalist, bestselling author Irene Hannon takes listeners on a big-hearted journey to small-town America as she weaves a tale of shattered dreams and the healing power of love.
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First published January 1, 2009
106 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
About the author
Irene Hannon
122 books3,017 followersIrene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 65 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers' Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers' Best, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 1, 2017
Touching and sweet, as usual for this series. Surprisingly well-written, too.
April 30, 2024
Good story and characters.
October 13, 2019
This book was fiction, but Brand created an awesome character in Clay Adams....bachelor uncle suddenly taking on two traumatized kids, doing whatever he can do to make them feel loved and safe. Great read
May 17, 2020
This was a cute, sweet story. I really enjoyed the characters and their story.
April 9, 2022
Quite possibly THE best 'Love Inspired' book I've read yet.
Irene Hannon is never a disappointment. Her writing is beautiful, her characters come alive on the page, the story is well thought out, and there is a grace and peace to them that acts like balm to the readers heart.
This one is especially poignant, because 1) the death of Annie isn't just pat or trite - she's bludgeoned to death, with her children locked in a nearby room. Too many LI books don't touch on the reality of evil that leaves terrible scars on the children, but Hannon isn't afraid to go there, in this one. I *LOVE* it for being true to life, and not 'powdered sugar' glossing over reality like some that I've been reading.
The other thing is that 2) there is *REAL* romance in this one. Hearts longing to come together, and it's not just 'aw, luv', it's real desire and fear and yearning and... well, as Clay says, 'fireworks'. This book has it all. It's SO well done.
Nevertheless, I have something against it. (And there I go, sounding all Revelation)... but it is *NOT* Biblical. Yes, there's some amazing faith in it, but there's some amazing faith in Buddism, Taoism, and Islam, too... amazing faith does *NOT* make a book Biblical. On pg 152 the pastor states that everyone is a sinner, even him. Um... NO. Might want to check 1 John 3:9, because that right there is church teaching, and most DEFINITELY false teaching. Yes, it's what you hear from almost every pulpit, but it certainly isn't Biblical Truth.
Neither is child baptism, but don't get me started.
I couldn't deck a star for it, even though it really sullied the book for me, seeing Truth traded for a lie, dogma for doctrine. Be aware... a little leaven leaveneth the whole loaf.
Having said... I still loved this story. SO MUCH.
Irene Hannon is never a disappointment. Her writing is beautiful, her characters come alive on the page, the story is well thought out, and there is a grace and peace to them that acts like balm to the readers heart.
This one is especially poignant, because 1) the death of Annie isn't just pat or trite - she's bludgeoned to death, with her children locked in a nearby room. Too many LI books don't touch on the reality of evil that leaves terrible scars on the children, but Hannon isn't afraid to go there, in this one. I *LOVE* it for being true to life, and not 'powdered sugar' glossing over reality like some that I've been reading.
The other thing is that 2) there is *REAL* romance in this one. Hearts longing to come together, and it's not just 'aw, luv', it's real desire and fear and yearning and... well, as Clay says, 'fireworks'. This book has it all. It's SO well done.
Nevertheless, I have something against it. (And there I go, sounding all Revelation)... but it is *NOT* Biblical. Yes, there's some amazing faith in it, but there's some amazing faith in Buddism, Taoism, and Islam, too... amazing faith does *NOT* make a book Biblical. On pg 152 the pastor states that everyone is a sinner, even him. Um... NO. Might want to check 1 John 3:9, because that right there is church teaching, and most DEFINITELY false teaching. Yes, it's what you hear from almost every pulpit, but it certainly isn't Biblical Truth.
Neither is child baptism, but don't get me started.
I couldn't deck a star for it, even though it really sullied the book for me, seeing Truth traded for a lie, dogma for doctrine. Be aware... a little leaven leaveneth the whole loaf.
Having said... I still loved this story. SO MUCH.
April 22, 2025
Unfortunately, I read this book right after finishing the absolutely wonderful On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna M. White, and I was experiencing a book hangover. Hoping for something with a happy ending, I picked up this novel—which certainly delivered on that front—but overall, it felt incredibly trite.
It had all the familiar hallmarks of an Irene Hannon story:
--A protagonist or love interest with a disability
--A main character struggling with faith
--Children delivering dialogue meant to be endearing
--A central traumatic event
From the start, I had a clear sense of how it would all unfold. That’s not necessarily a dealbreaker, but I was hoping for more depth and emotional resonance in the characters’ relationship—something along the lines of Rainbow’s End or Driftwood Bay, both by Hannon. In this case, I simply didn’t feel the love the characters claimed to have for each other.
All in all, the book was okay. Perhaps if I hadn’t read it immediately after such a phenomenal story, I might have rated it more generously.
It had all the familiar hallmarks of an Irene Hannon story:
--A protagonist or love interest with a disability
--A main character struggling with faith
--Children delivering dialogue meant to be endearing
--A central traumatic event
From the start, I had a clear sense of how it would all unfold. That’s not necessarily a dealbreaker, but I was hoping for more depth and emotional resonance in the characters’ relationship—something along the lines of Rainbow’s End or Driftwood Bay, both by Hannon. In this case, I simply didn’t feel the love the characters claimed to have for each other.
All in all, the book was okay. Perhaps if I hadn’t read it immediately after such a phenomenal story, I might have rated it more generously.
March 18, 2024
Loved everything i've read by this author so far and this one was no different. Klay and Kates story was lovely and the way they were willing to support each other and the children was very touching. The way Klay found his faith through caring for Emily and Josh was also really special. Another grate story and a very plesent read.
January 22, 2019
Nice HEA
I am a fan of the author's suspense books and, while I found these a bit heavy on the preaching, I found it to be a very pleasant read. It was the HEA i needed to read while in transition in a different series.
I am a fan of the author's suspense books and, while I found these a bit heavy on the preaching, I found it to be a very pleasant read. It was the HEA i needed to read while in transition in a different series.
March 2, 2022
God's healing power is amazing!
It's about healing broken hearts from the pain of rejection, abuse, and reduced self-worth. God in his infinite wisdom provides a solution to every problem!
It's about healing broken hearts from the pain of rejection, abuse, and reduced self-worth. God in his infinite wisdom provides a solution to every problem!
July 23, 2025
I enjoyed this book very much - down to earth and gritty story of an uncle who suddenly finds himself taking care of his young niece and nephew. Very realistic about abuse suffered from men who should have been loving, but also redemptive as the uncle learns to love sacrificially.
August 3, 2018
ebook from the library. Clay and Cate's story. Circumstances happen without control and can change your life. Choices and decisions to make. Unknown. God can surprise even with humour.
September 10, 2020
This is a very good book. Not dark like Irene hannon books usually are. I definitely recommend it and will for sure read it again
August 26, 2021
So good, with some sad and lots of learning/growing. also has Omaha, Nebraska mentioned which gets brownie points from this former Omaha lady.
November 20, 2024
🎧🤍🛁 so cute. This one had me in my feels from the beginning.
July 14, 2025
Sweet Christian romance. I loved how the uncle stepped up to raise his sister's children and in doing that found his own love and a new life.
January 10, 2018
A well-done story here. Clay is a loner, embittered by his father's harsh treatment during his upbringing. When his sister dies suddenly, Clay is thrust into the role of surrogate dad to her two small, traumatized children. By chance, he is able to meet Cate, who is an in-home caregiver.
The two of them save the kids and each other.
Cate's family plays a big role and there is redemption everywhere. Hannon doesn't throw belief in God in your face, but it is a part of all her characters' lives.
The two of them save the kids and each other.
Cate's family plays a big role and there is redemption everywhere. Hannon doesn't throw belief in God in your face, but it is a part of all her characters' lives.
February 25, 2019
After one phone call in the middle of the night, one tragic incident that took the life of his only sister, Clay's non committal bachelor days are over. Clay is in for a lifestyle change because he is now guardian of his small niece and nephew. They change his life (for the good) with the help of Cate. Thier life is looking good until Clay's estranged father wants custody of the kids. Clay is going to have to give his problems to God in order to keep the children.
March 30, 2009
another one that dealt w/ disabilities, or gifts, depending on your prospective, and the hope that things CAN change, and CAN be looked at differently, and CAN be overcome, AND ...
perfect timing, also, as i read this while being stuck in bed trying to fight thru a flare-up of my (health) condition!
perfect timing, also, as i read this while being stuck in bed trying to fight thru a flare-up of my (health) condition!
July 21, 2013
This was a super quick feel good book. The story and character development was good enough that i would read it again to make sure i didnt miss anything.
July 27, 2015
Very sweet love story.
February 5, 2016
Clay Adams is trying to raise his sisters two children after she is killed by her husband. Cate Shepard is the nanny the pastor recommends for the job of daycare for the two kids.
Want to read
August 21, 2016I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14138307
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14138307
November 14, 2024
Sweet story. I'd love to read more like it.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews