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Tallgrass #2
A Man to Hold on To
When Therese Matheson's husband, Paul, was killed in Afghanistan, she thought she could hold what was left of their family together. But things have gotten so bad with her stepchildren that she's considering the unthinkable: giving up custody of Paul's kids.
SGT Keegan Logan, a combat medic, knows a little about taking care of someone else's child. Three years ago, his live-in girlfriend gave birth to a daughter, Mariah, who was conceived while Keegan was deployed. Keegan ended the relationship, but when his ex abandons the baby and skips town, little Mariah has no one to care for her but Keegan.
Keegan knows Mariah's real father: MAJ Paul Matheson. He doesn't know why Paul never manned up and took responsibility, but he's determined to find out. Only instead of finding Paul in Tallgrass, OK, he finds Therese.
Therese is shocked by her attraction to Keegan--and that he seems to feel the same. But how will she react when Keegan reveals that her perfect marriage wasn't so perfect? Will Keegan and Mariah push her fragile family over the edge? Or with Keegan can she finally find a love worth holding onto? (90,000 words)
187 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2014
96 people are currently reading
903 people want to read
About the author
Marilyn Pappano
189 books126 followersAward-winning and bestselling author, international traveler, feted at a Hollywood premiere . . .
All true . . . but my regular life is a whole lot more routine. Deal with the five big puppers who share our house, babysit our grandson, battle the jungle that is our yard, pray for summer in winter and dream of winter in summer, and hunker down at the computer -- that's my real life.
I grew up in Oklahoma and had the fun of living in Georgia, Alabama, California and the Carolinas, thanks to my husband's Navy career. When he retired, we came home to Oklahoma and have lived in the same house for seventeen years. That's a real "Wow!" for someone used to the nomadic military life.
Writing was the perfect career for all that moving. Have computer, will travel. I've set books, or part of them, in every state we've lived in and been inspired by every place I've ever been. I've now written somewhere around 80 books, and I think I've got only about 8,000 stories left to tell.
My biggest hobby is starting new projects -- starting. Not completing. I'm still not done with the cross-stitched Army seal I started when our son joined out of high school. He did tours in Georgia, Colorado, Korea, Italy, Iraq, Afghanistan and Louisiana, and has been out for a few years. So I'm a little slow.
I like to think about getting organized, painting my living room in cool beachy colors, and turning my entire five-acre yard into a garden. I also dream about having every room in my house clean at exactly the same time, but I live by the motto of the woman who taught me to quilt: A clean house is the sign of a bored woman.
And I've never been bored.
All true . . . but my regular life is a whole lot more routine. Deal with the five big puppers who share our house, babysit our grandson, battle the jungle that is our yard, pray for summer in winter and dream of winter in summer, and hunker down at the computer -- that's my real life.
I grew up in Oklahoma and had the fun of living in Georgia, Alabama, California and the Carolinas, thanks to my husband's Navy career. When he retired, we came home to Oklahoma and have lived in the same house for seventeen years. That's a real "Wow!" for someone used to the nomadic military life.
Writing was the perfect career for all that moving. Have computer, will travel. I've set books, or part of them, in every state we've lived in and been inspired by every place I've ever been. I've now written somewhere around 80 books, and I think I've got only about 8,000 stories left to tell.
My biggest hobby is starting new projects -- starting. Not completing. I'm still not done with the cross-stitched Army seal I started when our son joined out of high school. He did tours in Georgia, Colorado, Korea, Italy, Iraq, Afghanistan and Louisiana, and has been out for a few years. So I'm a little slow.
I like to think about getting organized, painting my living room in cool beachy colors, and turning my entire five-acre yard into a garden. I also dream about having every room in my house clean at exactly the same time, but I live by the motto of the woman who taught me to quilt: A clean house is the sign of a bored woman.
And I've never been bored.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 12, 2018
This was a surprisingly enjoyable audiobook with some moving moments. Therese's husband (Paul) passed away in Afghanistan 3 years earlier, and she is left raising his 2 sullen and highly challenging children, as their flighty biological mother is unwilling to take on the responsibility. She's at the stage where she is ready to throw in the towel and give the children up as she struggles to connect especially with the angry and hostile 13 year old stepdaughter. Enter Keegan Logan, army medic, who knocks on the door asking for her deceased husband. They converse awkwardly for a short while and part ways, Therese not expecting to see him again. However, Keegan is not quite done with Therese for he was not quite truthful with her. He was not an army buddy of her husband, as he led her to believe. Instead, his connection to Paul is through Keegan's court-assigned 'daughter', a product of Keegan's ex's affair with Paul just before the latter's departure for Afghanistan. This little treasure, Mariah, was dumped on Keegan a month earlier, abandoned by his faithless ex, another selfish and unfit mother. Keegan was named as the father on the birth certificate, although he knows better. He hopes to palm Mariah off to another person's responsibility, however with his plans derailed by the news of Paul's passing, he tries to come up with plan B or C. It's hard to keep his focus on the task at hand, the off-loading of Mariah, when Therese is such an attractive distraction and when Mariah herself wiggles and worms her way into his heart.
Lovely story really. Therese has a lot of fortitude and strength mixed with vulnerability. Keegan is ultimately quite a decent bloke. Their interactions were sweet and tentative and quite realistic and so were the interactions with all 3 children. There were some genuinely moving moments especially with the children. I could do without the excess information about the other members of Therese's widows support group, because this book carries on from the previous book and introduces heavily the leads of the next book. This would fit the umbrella of inspirational faith-based fiction, which is not really my cup of tea normally, but I found the religious references not really intrusive or preachy at all. It is not clean and the MCs have a healthy physical attraction for one another, but nor is it lurid and kinky in its intimate scenes.
Lovely story really. Therese has a lot of fortitude and strength mixed with vulnerability. Keegan is ultimately quite a decent bloke. Their interactions were sweet and tentative and quite realistic and so were the interactions with all 3 children. There were some genuinely moving moments especially with the children. I could do without the excess information about the other members of Therese's widows support group, because this book carries on from the previous book and introduces heavily the leads of the next book. This would fit the umbrella of inspirational faith-based fiction, which is not really my cup of tea normally, but I found the religious references not really intrusive or preachy at all. It is not clean and the MCs have a healthy physical attraction for one another, but nor is it lurid and kinky in its intimate scenes.
May 12, 2020
2,5 / 5
February 27, 2014
After mariah's mother abandons her, she is placed in the care of Keegan who was named as father on the birth certificate. But Keegan knows all too well that Mariah was conceived after his girlfriend was unfaithful...and he knows who the father is.
Therese has had her share of hardships. First Abby and Jacob, the children of her husband Paul's previous marriage came to live with them. Then Paul was killed in Afghanistan, and now her two step-children despise her. As Abby's antipathy towards her worsens she contemplates asking her to leave even knowing she promised Paul she would look after his children.
When Keegan discovers that Mariah's father has died, his plans to unload Mariah fall apart. But he sees something in Therese that makes him want to stay in Tallgrass. As they get to know each other, their attraction builds but with three children to consider and secrets lying between them a relationship is anything but certain.
A Man to Hold on To is book two in Marilyn Pappano's Tallgrass series. It's contemporary romance, and very good contemporary romance but much more than that, the author deals with some of the issues that face returned servicemen and their families with a raw truthfulness that speaks of experience. Her characters are beautifully flawed, her stories are simple but well told.
This book can be read as a stand alone, but I would encourage anyone to check out book one, A Hero to Come Home To
Many Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC
Therese has had her share of hardships. First Abby and Jacob, the children of her husband Paul's previous marriage came to live with them. Then Paul was killed in Afghanistan, and now her two step-children despise her. As Abby's antipathy towards her worsens she contemplates asking her to leave even knowing she promised Paul she would look after his children.
When Keegan discovers that Mariah's father has died, his plans to unload Mariah fall apart. But he sees something in Therese that makes him want to stay in Tallgrass. As they get to know each other, their attraction builds but with three children to consider and secrets lying between them a relationship is anything but certain.
A Man to Hold on To is book two in Marilyn Pappano's Tallgrass series. It's contemporary romance, and very good contemporary romance but much more than that, the author deals with some of the issues that face returned servicemen and their families with a raw truthfulness that speaks of experience. Her characters are beautifully flawed, her stories are simple but well told.
This book can be read as a stand alone, but I would encourage anyone to check out book one, A Hero to Come Home To
Many Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC
October 19, 2016
Good book with a very realistic feel to it. Therese is a member of the Tuesday Night Margarita Club, also known as the Fort Murphy Widows Club. Like her friends, her husband was killed in Afghanistan, and she is left to pick up the pieces. In her case, she also has custody of his two children, a sullen eleven year old boy and a bratty thirteen year old girl. In the first book, A Hero to Come Home To, there were glimpses of what she has been going through with them. At the beginning of this book, Therese wonders if it would be better to give up custody and give the kids back to their mother or into foster care. She feels like she has failed them and her husband, and they might be better off with someone else. When the kids return from a week with their mother, her stress goes even higher.
Keegan is caught in a dilemma. His ex-girlfriend has disappeared, leaving her three year old little girl behind. Keegan is listed as little Mariah's father on her birth certificate, but he isn't. Sabrina had had an affair with a visiting army officer, and the child is his. Keegan isn't ready to be a father, especially to someone else's child, so he goes hunting for her real father. He arrives in Tallgrass, only to discover that the man is dead and his widow has no clue about Mariah's existence. He isn't sure whether he should tell her and leave Mariah with her or find something else to do with the child. But there's something about Therese that draws him in and he decides to stick around for awhile.
Though there is attraction between them from the very beginning, the relationship between Keegan and Therese begins as friendship. Keegan is at a complete loss as to how to deal with Mariah, and Therese steps in to help him. I loved the scene when Keegan shows up at her house with a screaming Mariah and a desperate plea for help. He has kept an emotional distance from the child and that has had the expected result on their relationship. It was sweet to see Keegan grow into the role of father to Mariah. There were several really adorable scenes between the two of them. Though Keegan had briefly considered making up to Therese as a prelude to dumping Mariah on her, that idea doesn't last long. He's far too interested in Therese herself, even though he has no interest in a relationship. Therese is surprised to find herself attracted to Keegan. It raises a bit of conflict in her since she feels slightly disloyal to her husband because of it, but she also likes feeling alive again. She's not interested in a relationship with another military man, but a fling might be enjoyable. She doesn't expect to start feeling something more for him. I liked seeing them move from friendship and mutual support to exploring what is growing between them. Their dates were pretty sweet, and the increasing heat was terrific. As they grew closer, Keegan felt guilty about keeping the truth about Mariah from Therese, but didn't know how to tell her without risking their new relationship. When she does find out, she is hurt and angry. I loved seeing how she worked through her feelings and her attitude when she did. I felt that it was realistic, without making her husband out to be scum, but not letting him completely off the hook either. I felt that the relationship between she and Keegan became stronger because of it.
Therese's two stepchildren were really interesting. In the previous book both came across as total brats and I wanted her to toughen up on them. When they arrived back from their visit to their mother, there were some positive changes in Jacob. He seemed to be coming out of his funk a little bit, treating Therese with a little more respect. I liked seeing the little things he started to do and their effect on his relationship with Therese. Abby, on the other hand, came back with even more attitude than when she left. I really understood Therese's horror at her appearance, and loved how she dealt with it. It was great to see Therese stand up to the little tyrant. I was completely amazed at the difference in her attitude when little Mariah was around, and began to hope that maybe things would get better. As the book went on, I liked seeing the improvement in the relationships between the kids and Therese, and the hope it gave Therese that things would work out with them. The surprise arrival of the kids' mother, and what she wanted threw everything into upheaval. I ached for Jacob and was happy to see that Keegan was able to help him. Abby had mixed reactions, and I wondered how things were going to go. I also ached for Therese, who was kind of getting what she had wanted but who realized that maybe she didn't want it after all. The kids' mother was a real piece of work, and I completely enjoyed seeing Therese stand up to her. That final confrontation was very emotional. In the end, Therese realized that she was partly to blame for the tension between her and the kids, as she understood what had been driving them. I hurt for the kids as they had to deal with the truth about their mother, but was happy to see that they began to appreciate what they had in Therese.
I also enjoyed seeing more of the ladies from the club. All of them are dealing with their losses in their own ways. I liked seeing more of Carly and Dane from the first book, and how their relationship is progressing. There are also sections that dealt with several of the other women, including Jessy. She is headed down a slippery path and I am looking forward to seeing how she gets through her challenges.
*copy of the book received in exchange for honest review.
Keegan is caught in a dilemma. His ex-girlfriend has disappeared, leaving her three year old little girl behind. Keegan is listed as little Mariah's father on her birth certificate, but he isn't. Sabrina had had an affair with a visiting army officer, and the child is his. Keegan isn't ready to be a father, especially to someone else's child, so he goes hunting for her real father. He arrives in Tallgrass, only to discover that the man is dead and his widow has no clue about Mariah's existence. He isn't sure whether he should tell her and leave Mariah with her or find something else to do with the child. But there's something about Therese that draws him in and he decides to stick around for awhile.
Though there is attraction between them from the very beginning, the relationship between Keegan and Therese begins as friendship. Keegan is at a complete loss as to how to deal with Mariah, and Therese steps in to help him. I loved the scene when Keegan shows up at her house with a screaming Mariah and a desperate plea for help. He has kept an emotional distance from the child and that has had the expected result on their relationship. It was sweet to see Keegan grow into the role of father to Mariah. There were several really adorable scenes between the two of them. Though Keegan had briefly considered making up to Therese as a prelude to dumping Mariah on her, that idea doesn't last long. He's far too interested in Therese herself, even though he has no interest in a relationship. Therese is surprised to find herself attracted to Keegan. It raises a bit of conflict in her since she feels slightly disloyal to her husband because of it, but she also likes feeling alive again. She's not interested in a relationship with another military man, but a fling might be enjoyable. She doesn't expect to start feeling something more for him. I liked seeing them move from friendship and mutual support to exploring what is growing between them. Their dates were pretty sweet, and the increasing heat was terrific. As they grew closer, Keegan felt guilty about keeping the truth about Mariah from Therese, but didn't know how to tell her without risking their new relationship. When she does find out, she is hurt and angry. I loved seeing how she worked through her feelings and her attitude when she did. I felt that it was realistic, without making her husband out to be scum, but not letting him completely off the hook either. I felt that the relationship between she and Keegan became stronger because of it.
Therese's two stepchildren were really interesting. In the previous book both came across as total brats and I wanted her to toughen up on them. When they arrived back from their visit to their mother, there were some positive changes in Jacob. He seemed to be coming out of his funk a little bit, treating Therese with a little more respect. I liked seeing the little things he started to do and their effect on his relationship with Therese. Abby, on the other hand, came back with even more attitude than when she left. I really understood Therese's horror at her appearance, and loved how she dealt with it. It was great to see Therese stand up to the little tyrant. I was completely amazed at the difference in her attitude when little Mariah was around, and began to hope that maybe things would get better. As the book went on, I liked seeing the improvement in the relationships between the kids and Therese, and the hope it gave Therese that things would work out with them. The surprise arrival of the kids' mother, and what she wanted threw everything into upheaval. I ached for Jacob and was happy to see that Keegan was able to help him. Abby had mixed reactions, and I wondered how things were going to go. I also ached for Therese, who was kind of getting what she had wanted but who realized that maybe she didn't want it after all. The kids' mother was a real piece of work, and I completely enjoyed seeing Therese stand up to her. That final confrontation was very emotional. In the end, Therese realized that she was partly to blame for the tension between her and the kids, as she understood what had been driving them. I hurt for the kids as they had to deal with the truth about their mother, but was happy to see that they began to appreciate what they had in Therese.
I also enjoyed seeing more of the ladies from the club. All of them are dealing with their losses in their own ways. I liked seeing more of Carly and Dane from the first book, and how their relationship is progressing. There are also sections that dealt with several of the other women, including Jessy. She is headed down a slippery path and I am looking forward to seeing how she gets through her challenges.
*copy of the book received in exchange for honest review.
May 29, 2021
Zavallı Therese...
August 3, 2016
Originally posted
HERE
.
Really 2.5 stars.
After I requested this book for review I checked out some early reviews and got worried.
It seemed A Man to Hold on To was a story than leaned very heavily on religion, something that was more inspirational women’s fiction than the contemporary romance it was listed as.
However, I decided I’d try it myself instead of dismissing it, unread, and I have to say that both the critical and glowing reviews make valid points. I really enjoyed the story and the concept, but I don’t think this is a book that should be marketed to me.
On one hand, it wouldn’t pass the publishers’ rules for Christian fiction, as there’s some language and there’re some intimate (not pornographic) scenes – before marriage. On the other hand, it was definitely fiction with Christians in mind – little things, like the heroine reading the Bible in the evening instead of picking up a normal book. I can see how some people who don’t like religion in their books might feel duped by the marketing of this one.
On the not-so positive side of things (from a non-religious person’s perspective):
A Man to Hold on To presents the reader with the clichéd version of the US South non-Americans tend to imagine: a dislike of liberal California, Bibles and lots of praying, flag-waving, fast food restaurants as the staple of everyone’s diet, and everyone thanking soldiers for their service every time they see one.
It did very much read like the few US Christian fiction books I’ve read in the past.
The book seems to become more religious as it goes on – I wasn’t bothered by it at all at the start, but by the end, we were getting a lot of this:
Bible and prayer-related things aren’t a huge motivator in the story, but they are everywhere. There is a lot of talk of asking ‘The Lord’ for guidance and that sort of thing. If I was invited to someone’s house for dinner (as the hero of this book was) and it was announced we were going to pray first… I’d be offended they made an assumption about my religion (or lack thereof).
I also wasn’t fond of the image of the saintly woman who is first and foremost a baby-lover and maker presented against the evil women who didn’t want children who formed the villains of the piece. It’s a trope that offends me in any women’s fiction, and it’s something I was hoping we were finally moving away from.
There was also a passage that annoyed me – about how the heroine was a better woman for immediately forgiving her husband for cheating on her. That makes her better – why?
However:
It was a really good story.
Despite the heavy focus on good people love babies and bad people don’t, I did really like the characterisation of all of the children involved. I thought they were the best things about the story, which took me by surprise.
The story was engrossing and had plenty of angst. I would have liked to have seen it take place over a longer period of time (a week and a half for such – and so many – life-changing incidents seemed pretty short!), but if you overlook that, it was a really great story full of realistically flawed characters.
There is a side story that seems to be setting up another book, which was pretty interesting. I liked that there wasn’t shaming involved with the secondary character’s situation, and I’d be interested to see how the author handles her (presumably) happy ending.
I did miss the lack of an extra chapter or two at the end. There were some big things I would have liked to see addressed, though maybe that would have been tying everything up in too many bows…
Oh, and one more thing: telling your teenagers the facts of life when they’re already in their mid-teens = incredibly irresponsible! Maybe the characters wouldn’t have been running around having oops babies everywhere if they’d had more responsible parents!
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
Really 2.5 stars.
Why would any woman agree to raise the illegitimate daughter from her dead husband’s affair when she was already saddled with two legitimate children from his previous marriage?
After I requested this book for review I checked out some early reviews and got worried.
It seemed A Man to Hold on To was a story than leaned very heavily on religion, something that was more inspirational women’s fiction than the contemporary romance it was listed as.
However, I decided I’d try it myself instead of dismissing it, unread, and I have to say that both the critical and glowing reviews make valid points. I really enjoyed the story and the concept, but I don’t think this is a book that should be marketed to me.
On one hand, it wouldn’t pass the publishers’ rules for Christian fiction, as there’s some language and there’re some intimate (not pornographic) scenes – before marriage. On the other hand, it was definitely fiction with Christians in mind – little things, like the heroine reading the Bible in the evening instead of picking up a normal book. I can see how some people who don’t like religion in their books might feel duped by the marketing of this one.
On the not-so positive side of things (from a non-religious person’s perspective):
A Man to Hold on To presents the reader with the clichéd version of the US South non-Americans tend to imagine: a dislike of liberal California, Bibles and lots of praying, flag-waving, fast food restaurants as the staple of everyone’s diet, and everyone thanking soldiers for their service every time they see one.
“She cried. Not because she was worried but because she was proud. All the Dupree men have done their service all the way back to the Civil War.”
It did very much read like the few US Christian fiction books I’ve read in the past.
The book seems to become more religious as it goes on – I wasn’t bothered by it at all at the start, but by the end, we were getting a lot of this:
“Things happen for a reason, sweetie. You’ve heard enough sermons to know that. If God intended you and Keegan and Paul’s three kids to be together at this point in your lives, then He had to get you all here somehow.
God didn’t promise us easy, sweetie. He just promised He’d help us through.”
Bible and prayer-related things aren’t a huge motivator in the story, but they are everywhere. There is a lot of talk of asking ‘The Lord’ for guidance and that sort of thing. If I was invited to someone’s house for dinner (as the hero of this book was) and it was announced we were going to pray first… I’d be offended they made an assumption about my religion (or lack thereof).
I also wasn’t fond of the image of the saintly woman who is first and foremost a baby-lover and maker presented against the evil women who didn’t want children who formed the villains of the piece. It’s a trope that offends me in any women’s fiction, and it’s something I was hoping we were finally moving away from.
There was also a passage that annoyed me – about how the heroine was a better woman for immediately forgiving her husband for cheating on her. That makes her better – why?
However:
It was a really good story.
Despite the heavy focus on good people love babies and bad people don’t, I did really like the characterisation of all of the children involved. I thought they were the best things about the story, which took me by surprise.
The story was engrossing and had plenty of angst. I would have liked to have seen it take place over a longer period of time (a week and a half for such – and so many – life-changing incidents seemed pretty short!), but if you overlook that, it was a really great story full of realistically flawed characters.
There is a side story that seems to be setting up another book, which was pretty interesting. I liked that there wasn’t shaming involved with the secondary character’s situation, and I’d be interested to see how the author handles her (presumably) happy ending.
I did miss the lack of an extra chapter or two at the end. There were some big things I would have liked to see addressed, though maybe that would have been tying everything up in too many bows…
Oh, and one more thing: telling your teenagers the facts of life when they’re already in their mid-teens = incredibly irresponsible! Maybe the characters wouldn’t have been running around having oops babies everywhere if they’d had more responsible parents!
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
April 21, 2015
Tallgrass has quickly become one of my favorite series. I'm addicted and I'm not so patiently waiting for the other Margarita girls to get their HEAs.
While I loved this story I had some HUGE issues about 2 things that happened and because of those things that love was a little tarnished for this book.
1. When Abby slapped Therese in the face. I didn't like Abby's treatment of Therese up until this point but I did understand why she acted out. But no way should Abby have gotten away with that without suffering some type of consequence and she also never apologized for it either. I thought this was totally unacceptable. Therese shouldn't have just let it go.
2. This has an A and B. lol
2A. Paul cheating on Therese and her reaction to it or should I say her non-reaction to it. I couldn't believe that she could just forgive him so easily for that. If he was the love of her life / her soul mate...finding out that information and the way she found out should have devastated her. I just couldn't understand it.
2B. Keegan...Therese forgave him way to easy for his role in the deception. I loved Keegan and especially Mariah but I felt that Therese should have needed more time to process his actions before forgiving him.
So while I'm still hooked on the series these things really bothered me and I was wishing Marilyn handled them a little differently. But it's just a story so...
While I loved this story I had some HUGE issues about 2 things that happened and because of those things that love was a little tarnished for this book.
1. When Abby slapped Therese in the face. I didn't like Abby's treatment of Therese up until this point but I did understand why she acted out. But no way should Abby have gotten away with that without suffering some type of consequence and she also never apologized for it either. I thought this was totally unacceptable. Therese shouldn't have just let it go.
2. This has an A and B. lol
2A. Paul cheating on Therese and her reaction to it or should I say her non-reaction to it. I couldn't believe that she could just forgive him so easily for that. If he was the love of her life / her soul mate...finding out that information and the way she found out should have devastated her. I just couldn't understand it.
2B. Keegan...Therese forgave him way to easy for his role in the deception. I loved Keegan and especially Mariah but I felt that Therese should have needed more time to process his actions before forgiving him.
So while I'm still hooked on the series these things really bothered me and I was wishing Marilyn handled them a little differently. But it's just a story so...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2014
Therese Matheson has had a very rough couple of years. Her husband died in Afghanistan and she has been raising his two children, Abby and Jake since then. Therese has conflicted feelings about the pre-teens because they have ranged from indifferent to downright hostile to her. Therese doesn't want to force them back to their unwilling mother but she is nearing the end of her rope.
Enter Keegan Logan, who comes and tells her he was a friend of her husband in Afghanistan. In reality, Logan is in the same boat as Therese as he is reluctantly caring for the toddler daughter of his old girlfriend. Three year old Mariah is also the daughter of Paul Matheson, a fact unknown to Therese.
I personally love a story of a stepmother with the stepchildren from Hades and then add the aspect of a hunky guy with a big secret that could really blow Therese's world apart and you've got a great read. You have two adults who are trying to do the right thing but are finding it very hard to keep doing so. Add to the mix the attraction they both have for each other and the story gets even more interesting. The whole premise of a group of war widows and the support they give each other adds another nuance to the story. I hope there will be more books based in Tallgrass because I would certainly read them.
Enter Keegan Logan, who comes and tells her he was a friend of her husband in Afghanistan. In reality, Logan is in the same boat as Therese as he is reluctantly caring for the toddler daughter of his old girlfriend. Three year old Mariah is also the daughter of Paul Matheson, a fact unknown to Therese.
I personally love a story of a stepmother with the stepchildren from Hades and then add the aspect of a hunky guy with a big secret that could really blow Therese's world apart and you've got a great read. You have two adults who are trying to do the right thing but are finding it very hard to keep doing so. Add to the mix the attraction they both have for each other and the story gets even more interesting. The whole premise of a group of war widows and the support they give each other adds another nuance to the story. I hope there will be more books based in Tallgrass because I would certainly read them.
February 6, 2016
A Man to Hold on To is the second book in Marilyn Pappano's Tallgrass series. I haven't read the first yet and had no difficulty or confusion while reading this one.
As a military wife of 13+ years you would think I would want to read about something besides cute men in uniforms and life on base, but that isn't the case. With that said, rarely do I pick up a novel that actually does this life I love (and sometimes loathe) justice. Most books are riddled with inaccuracies and stereotypes. A Man to Hold on To was amazingly accurate right down to locations (including my family's old stomping grounds in Louisiana). I kind of loved that about this book.
I fell in immediate love with both Keegan and Therese. Their story is one that made my heart both ache and flutter. The author did an amazing job of making these characters feel real, and giving them a story they deserved. The pacing and plot couldn't have been more perfect. She weaved a tale that made me want keep reading and reading (and reading). I loved sitting back watching this bittersweet story unfold. I need to read more from this very talented author. And soon!
This review was originally published at - http://blissfully-bookish.blogspot.com/
As a military wife of 13+ years you would think I would want to read about something besides cute men in uniforms and life on base, but that isn't the case. With that said, rarely do I pick up a novel that actually does this life I love (and sometimes loathe) justice. Most books are riddled with inaccuracies and stereotypes. A Man to Hold on To was amazingly accurate right down to locations (including my family's old stomping grounds in Louisiana). I kind of loved that about this book.
I fell in immediate love with both Keegan and Therese. Their story is one that made my heart both ache and flutter. The author did an amazing job of making these characters feel real, and giving them a story they deserved. The pacing and plot couldn't have been more perfect. She weaved a tale that made me want keep reading and reading (and reading). I loved sitting back watching this bittersweet story unfold. I need to read more from this very talented author. And soon!
This review was originally published at - http://blissfully-bookish.blogspot.com/
December 18, 2023
Therese lost her husband, Paul, and is now raising his son and daughter from his previous marriage. Therese is at her wit's end with the daughter. Keegan is saddled with 2-year-old Mariah who is not his child, but his ex-girlfriend disappeared. Keegan begins to look for Mariah’s father, who is Therese’s dead husband.
There were things that I enjoyed about this story and things that I disliked about this story. The book was engaging. It had an interesting plot that kept me interested and wanting to know how things would pan out. However, the book introduced some heavy topics and then they were downplayed or the character worked through the challenge so easily. A child slapping you in the face requires a conversation…several conversations, possibly a therapist. Finding out your dead husband cheated and has another child requires more than planting flowers and a conversation with your best friend.
Also, Keegan and Therese’s relationship had an odd development. The story never properly connected them. The children had a deeper connection than the adults.
The side story of Jessie and Dalton seems interesting, but not sure I will read it.
There were things that I enjoyed about this story and things that I disliked about this story. The book was engaging. It had an interesting plot that kept me interested and wanting to know how things would pan out. However, the book introduced some heavy topics and then they were downplayed or the character worked through the challenge so easily. A child slapping you in the face requires a conversation…several conversations, possibly a therapist. Finding out your dead husband cheated and has another child requires more than planting flowers and a conversation with your best friend.
Also, Keegan and Therese’s relationship had an odd development. The story never properly connected them. The children had a deeper connection than the adults.
The side story of Jessie and Dalton seems interesting, but not sure I will read it.
June 22, 2017
Another great read
I really enjoy Marilyn Pappano's books, her Tallgrass novels display the depth and compassion of the human spirit. In this loosely bound series Army widows find friendship and companionship as they deal with the tragedy and reality of their men going to war and never returning. Pappano has a real gift for delving into her character's psyche and finding their inner strengths, their frailties and their vulnerabilities. When army Army widow Therese already struggling raising her late husband's son and teenage, finds Keegan Logan on her doorstep with his adorable toddler daughter her life takes a turn she never expected and is unsure she has the strength to cope with. This is a story of love, courage and the sheer strength of will to not merely survive but to live life to the full. A wonderful book.
I really enjoy Marilyn Pappano's books, her Tallgrass novels display the depth and compassion of the human spirit. In this loosely bound series Army widows find friendship and companionship as they deal with the tragedy and reality of their men going to war and never returning. Pappano has a real gift for delving into her character's psyche and finding their inner strengths, their frailties and their vulnerabilities. When army Army widow Therese already struggling raising her late husband's son and teenage, finds Keegan Logan on her doorstep with his adorable toddler daughter her life takes a turn she never expected and is unsure she has the strength to cope with. This is a story of love, courage and the sheer strength of will to not merely survive but to live life to the full. A wonderful book.
March 13, 2014
**Note: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
This is the second novel in a series that features Army widows in Tallgrass, Oklahoma who find second chances at love. So far, I've read both Tallgrass books and a bonus novella from a Christmas anthology. I liked all three. Even though sweet contemporaries aren't usually in my wheelhouse, I found myself really connecting emotionally with the members of the "Tuesday Night Margarita Club" and wanting to see them thrive.
Sergeant Keegan Logan comes to Tallgrass looking for a solution to his current troubles in the form of the man who fathered the toddler his ex-girlfirend left in his care. Unfortunately for him, what Keegan finds instead is the man's struggling widow and kids. No easy-peasy solution to his problems there.
Therese Matheson, the aforementioned widow, is at the end of her rope. She's been struggling to care for her stepchildren since their father's death three years ago and the situation isn't improving. At all. In fact, it's getting downright untenable.
While trying to work up the courage to tell Therese why he's really in town, Keegan and Therese fall in love. It's fast, but I bought it. I had a little trouble with how long Keegan keeps his secret but I understood why he did it. I just wanted to shake him a little.
The Tallgrass books overlap quite a bit so Therese's struggles with her stepchildren were introduced in the previous book "A Hero To Come Home To." I found her parts of that book to be seriously compelling. Therese has tried everything she can think of. Therapy, advice from friends, consulting with her pastor, prayer... but nothing is working. She's drowing and the kids aren't thriving. 13 yr-old Abby, in particular, is petulant and volatile and never misses an opportunity to express her dissatisfaction with her lot in life in general and Therese in particular. With the children's mother and neither set of grandparents interested in custody, it's gotten to the point where Therese is struggling with the idea that placing the kids into foster care might be the best option for all of them.
Overall, I loved a number of things about this book and had very few quibbles.
How the children, from 13 yr-old Abby all the way on down to 3 yr old Mariah, were portrayed worked like magic for me. I love when children in novels are multifaceted and not just generic pot moppets. Even though Abby's behavior is out of control and horrible, it makes sense that she reacts the way she does. She's angry and feels abandoned and acts like a monster (marvelously dubbed "The Princess of I-Hate-You" by Therese's best friend).
Related to how well I thought the children were written, I love-LOVED how parenting was portrayed in this book as this incredibly difficult job that was multifaceted and alternately rewarding and friggin back-breaking. Also, parenting had absolutely nothing to do with biology and everything to do with love and compassion and putting the work in that the job requires.
I also loved that even though Therese's late husband did a bad thing (cheating on his wife and fathering a child) he wasn't portrayed as a bad man. He's not made out to be a saint before the cheating is known and he's not vilified after that comes out either. Vilifying the ex to promote the new love interest is a well that is dipped into a lot in the romance genre and it would have been easy for Pappano to go there but I was seriously impressed that she didn't.
All in all, I really really liked this book, enjoyed the ground laid for future books, and can't wait to return to Tallgrass for more.
Note: I read this and "A Hero To Come Home To" out of order and I rather wish that I hadn't. This book spoils major plot points from the first book and the first book lays groundwork for this one that I wish I had had going into it. I would not recommend following my lead on this one.
This is the second novel in a series that features Army widows in Tallgrass, Oklahoma who find second chances at love. So far, I've read both Tallgrass books and a bonus novella from a Christmas anthology. I liked all three. Even though sweet contemporaries aren't usually in my wheelhouse, I found myself really connecting emotionally with the members of the "Tuesday Night Margarita Club" and wanting to see them thrive.
Sergeant Keegan Logan comes to Tallgrass looking for a solution to his current troubles in the form of the man who fathered the toddler his ex-girlfirend left in his care. Unfortunately for him, what Keegan finds instead is the man's struggling widow and kids. No easy-peasy solution to his problems there.
Therese Matheson, the aforementioned widow, is at the end of her rope. She's been struggling to care for her stepchildren since their father's death three years ago and the situation isn't improving. At all. In fact, it's getting downright untenable.
While trying to work up the courage to tell Therese why he's really in town, Keegan and Therese fall in love. It's fast, but I bought it. I had a little trouble with how long Keegan keeps his secret but I understood why he did it. I just wanted to shake him a little.
The Tallgrass books overlap quite a bit so Therese's struggles with her stepchildren were introduced in the previous book "A Hero To Come Home To." I found her parts of that book to be seriously compelling. Therese has tried everything she can think of. Therapy, advice from friends, consulting with her pastor, prayer... but nothing is working. She's drowing and the kids aren't thriving. 13 yr-old Abby, in particular, is petulant and volatile and never misses an opportunity to express her dissatisfaction with her lot in life in general and Therese in particular. With the children's mother and neither set of grandparents interested in custody, it's gotten to the point where Therese is struggling with the idea that placing the kids into foster care might be the best option for all of them.
Overall, I loved a number of things about this book and had very few quibbles.
How the children, from 13 yr-old Abby all the way on down to 3 yr old Mariah, were portrayed worked like magic for me. I love when children in novels are multifaceted and not just generic pot moppets. Even though Abby's behavior is out of control and horrible, it makes sense that she reacts the way she does. She's angry and feels abandoned and acts like a monster (marvelously dubbed "The Princess of I-Hate-You" by Therese's best friend).
Related to how well I thought the children were written, I love-LOVED how parenting was portrayed in this book as this incredibly difficult job that was multifaceted and alternately rewarding and friggin back-breaking. Also, parenting had absolutely nothing to do with biology and everything to do with love and compassion and putting the work in that the job requires.
“I may just be a stepmother, but I know real mother things. Jacob puts the brownies on a plate to hide the fact that he’s already sampled them. Abby hides her shampoo and pretends she’s out because she likes mine better, and neither of them has ever, ever used the last square of toilet paper in the bathroom. It disappears magically, spills happen spontaneously, empty milk cartons march themselves back into the refrigerator, and food disappears without being eaten.”
"Keegan wasn’t even a stepparent, but he was the closest thing to a parent Mariah had. Sometimes, he was learning, it didn't have anything to do with a blood tie. Sometimes an emotional tie was just as strong. Even stronger."
I also loved that even though Therese's late husband did a bad thing (cheating on his wife and fathering a child) he wasn't portrayed as a bad man. He's not made out to be a saint before the cheating is known and he's not vilified after that comes out either. Vilifying the ex to promote the new love interest is a well that is dipped into a lot in the romance genre and it would have been easy for Pappano to go there but I was seriously impressed that she didn't.
All in all, I really really liked this book, enjoyed the ground laid for future books, and can't wait to return to Tallgrass for more.
Note: I read this and "A Hero To Come Home To" out of order and I rather wish that I hadn't. This book spoils major plot points from the first book and the first book lays groundwork for this one that I wish I had had going into it. I would not recommend following my lead on this one.
February 15, 2015
I was lucky to be be granted this book to read and review for my honest opinion by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) Via Net Galley, I am oh so glad they did as I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I had to remember in parts this is fiction though, as I found it hard to see how a women could take in the children from his previous marriages and then one from his affair.
I later understood it as it was Bible based and of course.....forgiveness is the key. I am not knocking that, as I understand many religious people can do these 'noble' things and see it as 'good deeds well done for the benefit of God' and I guess that is what this lovely wife did for her husband [I think the husband got off lightly!!!]
I have definitely put this on my Amish/Christian shelf as there is a lot of talk of 'asking the Lord' and reference to biblical things. Which is fine.
I wouldn't call it a Modern Romance though.
The characteristics of the children were a delight to read, those parts in the book made it for me.
I think one of the things I picked up on was the super fast dating eventhough she didn't want to get involved with anyone . Another thing was that bad assed teenager she was raising, one minute she was hell on legs, then the next as pure as an angel with no explaining how a teen could change so fast?
All in all though I had to give this 4 stars as it kept me entertained all afternoon.
That poor woman loosing her husband in such a way, the love of her life, she is left with his children to raise and the ups and downs with all that entails, and trying not to loose herself in the process. She calls on God several times and her reliance on the almighty to help her through.
So in conclusion, just a few questions left in my head, but its minor compared to how I enjoyed the book and the writing of this author is someone I will definitely be looking at again.
March 15, 2014
This one wasn't the happy romance I expected, instead it was more melancholy. I felt for Therese as she struggled with what to do with Abby. I hated that for her own mental health she was considering that Abby needed to go. I hate to admit it, but I thought Therese was heading in the right direction. Abby was a bitch to Therese, even as Therese kept turning the other cheek. But there is only so long you can do that before breaking.
Keegan was an interesting character, who was in a hard spot. I can see why he wanted to get rid of Mariah, there were no ties there. Mariah was such a sweet girl, it was fun to see everyone fall in love with her, and how each one related to her in a different way and played a role to bring them all together.
I liked how the romance between Keegan and Therese unfolded and how all the kids played into some of their dates. I loved how this one ended, how the family realized that blood doesn't make family, but love does. It gives me hope for them all.
On a side note, I find myself worried for some of the other widows, Jessy in particular. She is on a bad road, one that hopefully Dalton will pull her off of, if only he will let himself.
Keegan was an interesting character, who was in a hard spot. I can see why he wanted to get rid of Mariah, there were no ties there. Mariah was such a sweet girl, it was fun to see everyone fall in love with her, and how each one related to her in a different way and played a role to bring them all together.
I liked how the romance between Keegan and Therese unfolded and how all the kids played into some of their dates. I loved how this one ended, how the family realized that blood doesn't make family, but love does. It gives me hope for them all.
On a side note, I find myself worried for some of the other widows, Jessy in particular. She is on a bad road, one that hopefully Dalton will pull her off of, if only he will let himself.
July 6, 2015
I really enjoyed this book--my first by Marilyn Pappano. Therese is a windowed military wife who has been left to raise her two rather difficult step-children. She gets support from a military widows group she belongs to, but is still contemplating giving up the children. Keegan is a military man who was left a little girl that's not even his daughter.He leaves the little girl with his mother while he goes to find the girl's real father, Therese's husband, only to discover that's no longer an option. When he unexpectedly has to take over the little girl's care from his mother, he turns to Therese and her children for help. The group become's closer and a relationship develops between Therese and Keegan. Will they all become one big happy family or will the added stress of secrets and military life make that impossible?
March 22, 2019
Enjoyed the overall story, but everything suddenly happens in the last few chapters after most of the story just moseying along. Felt rushed. Keegan misrepresented himself for almost the entire book. Therese was a bit of a doormat for forgiving everything (some pretty major things) within the span of one afternoon.
July 13, 2014
Another interesting book in this series about women who have lost their husbands in war. I really like the way Therese hangs in there with her two step children and understands what they are experiencing, inspite of their not so friendly behaviour.
August 5, 2016
This series focuses on a widow's club close to an army base. A soldier raising his girlfriend's small child connects with a widow raising her teenage stepchildren.
April 28, 2025
Maybe a 2.75
I feel like this book could have been soooo much better. The timeline is too short for me. From not knowing each other to being involved AND involving 3 kids in a matter of 2 weeks…nope. When the big reveal came it basically boiled down to “must be God’s plan”. Nope nope nope. To be fair I’m not Christian and if this book had dived too deep into it and gotten all holier than thou I would have DNFed but it doesn’t and I think through most of the story it is handled more realistically. I believe in God, I go to church on Sunday, I try and be kind and I ask for guidance when troubled. But she finds out her husband boinked some other chick while training at another base and there was a BABY and her new man has been lying about it …and suddenly it was just a part of the plan to lead her to Keegan??? Acting like they would have gotten through the cheating had her husband lived and taken in the girl? WHAT????? Where is the rage and betrayal (for both men)? How do we know that one time was his only time? So many questions. Her serenity about it all was admirable but I found it completely unbelievable. And are they gonna tell the other kids the truth?
I also didn’t love all the interludes with Jessy. The way it started I thought we were getting 2 love stories in one like Robyn Carr likes to do but no…it’s mostly Jessy waking up hungover and running late to her job which has NOTHING to do with this story. I saw at the end she up next for a book but a I don’t understand why so much time was spent on showing us she’s a full blown alcoholic and none of the Margarita Club has noticed when that could be covered in her book and I’m sure will be for those who don’t necessarily read a series in order when they’re individual romances.
I feel like this book could have been soooo much better. The timeline is too short for me. From not knowing each other to being involved AND involving 3 kids in a matter of 2 weeks…nope. When the big reveal came it basically boiled down to “must be God’s plan”. Nope nope nope. To be fair I’m not Christian and if this book had dived too deep into it and gotten all holier than thou I would have DNFed but it doesn’t and I think through most of the story it is handled more realistically. I believe in God, I go to church on Sunday, I try and be kind and I ask for guidance when troubled. But she finds out her husband boinked some other chick while training at another base and there was a BABY and her new man has been lying about it …and suddenly it was just a part of the plan to lead her to Keegan??? Acting like they would have gotten through the cheating had her husband lived and taken in the girl? WHAT????? Where is the rage and betrayal (for both men)? How do we know that one time was his only time? So many questions. Her serenity about it all was admirable but I found it completely unbelievable. And are they gonna tell the other kids the truth?
I also didn’t love all the interludes with Jessy. The way it started I thought we were getting 2 love stories in one like Robyn Carr likes to do but no…it’s mostly Jessy waking up hungover and running late to her job which has NOTHING to do with this story. I saw at the end she up next for a book but a I don’t understand why so much time was spent on showing us she’s a full blown alcoholic and none of the Margarita Club has noticed when that could be covered in her book and I’m sure will be for those who don’t necessarily read a series in order when they’re individual romances.
Read
September 4, 20243.5 Pappano juggles multiple characters and multiple story lines into a heartfelt book about a woman who is stuck with raising her dead husband's children, who hate her, Therese bore it a lot better than I would have. Then another soldier comes to her house with a little girl, who is actually the dead husband's child, looking to give her to her real father. The soldier, Keegan, decides to take on being the father to the baby, but he falls in love with Therese and doesn't want to tell her that her husband cheated on her. It all ends happily after much strife. Pappano makes you realize the toll military life takes on the whole family. One caveat - I could have done without all the religious stuff, but it does take place in Oklahoma, which I guess is the Bible Belt. Pappano has a gift for making you care about her characters.
November 17, 2019
Finally done with this book. I don't know why I pushed myself to read it since I struggled to get through it from the beginning.
This book was definitely not my cup of tea. Not much action, but a lot of emotional drama going on.
Even the way it started out, with two people trying to get rid of the kids they got saddled with. Definitely did not endear them to me. They seemed like jackasses who totally deserved each other.
And Jessy. I couldn't care less about her story. Her sections were ones that I struggled to get through. That's usually where I stopped reading each day.
The one good thing that it had going for it was that it got a lot more interesting and faster-paced at the end.
Despite that this is an author that I won't be returning to.
This book was definitely not my cup of tea. Not much action, but a lot of emotional drama going on.
Even the way it started out, with two people trying to get rid of the kids they got saddled with. Definitely did not endear them to me. They seemed like jackasses who totally deserved each other.
And Jessy. I couldn't care less about her story. Her sections were ones that I struggled to get through. That's usually where I stopped reading each day.
The one good thing that it had going for it was that it got a lot more interesting and faster-paced at the end.
Despite that this is an author that I won't be returning to.
August 4, 2020
A Good Love Story
We read about our services a people losing lives daily. Do any of us think about their survivors? This is a story about one and some of her friends, with many twists. A true love story the whole way through but not an ordinary love story, but one with ups and downs. A new twist here and a new turn there. Enjoy.
We read about our services a people losing lives daily. Do any of us think about their survivors? This is a story about one and some of her friends, with many twists. A true love story the whole way through but not an ordinary love story, but one with ups and downs. A new twist here and a new turn there. Enjoy.
January 30, 2018
This one was rather far-fetched but got better towards the end. Keegan Logan is trying to find a new home for his "step-daughter", Therese is raising her step-kids, but not happily. The kids are soon intertwined and Therese and Keegan are figuring out what makes a family.
April 30, 2025
DNF, read first 4 chapters and skimmed last 2 chapters
Way too many characters and unclear why we should care about them; led to believe this title is standalone, not accurate
Plot not compelling enough to keep me interested
Do not plan to read any other titles in this series
Way too many characters and unclear why we should care about them; led to believe this title is standalone, not accurate
Plot not compelling enough to keep me interested
Do not plan to read any other titles in this series
February 2, 2021
Trite and Predictable
BORING. I kept hoping it would get better, but alas, it didn’t. Not recommended unless you’re on a deserted island with absolutely nothing else to do!
BORING. I kept hoping it would get better, but alas, it didn’t. Not recommended unless you’re on a deserted island with absolutely nothing else to do!
August 15, 2023
3.8/5
April 18, 2025
Enjoyed…..interesting story of army widows and challenges in moving on with their lives.
February 20, 2014
4.5 stars.
After reading A Man to Hold on To I am officially hooked on Marilyn Pappano's delightfully heartwarming Tallgrass series. In this latest installment centered around a close-knit group of war widows, Therese Matheson and Keegan Logan are facing difficult decisions about the children unexpectedly left in their care.
Three years after her husband Paul's death in Afghanistan, Therese is struggling to build a healthy relationship with her two grieving stepchildren when she meets Keegan. Therese loves Abby and Jacob, but she is on the verge of relinquishing custody of the unhappy and resentful kids after they return from a visit with their self-centered mother. The last thing she needs is another complication in her life and when Keegan arrives looking for Paul, she is surprised by her attraction to the handsome soldier.
Keegan has never met Paul, but their lives intersected when Keegan's girlfriend Sabrina had an affair with Paul right before Paul's last deployment. The affair ended Keegan and Sabrina's relationship but when his ex abandons her daughter, Mariah, Keegan becomes the little girl's guardian. The only problem? Keegan is not Mariah's father; Paul is. Keegan travels to Tallgrass with the intention of leaving Mariah in Paul's custody but after he learns of Paul's death, he keeps quiet about Paul's connection to Mariah. A surprising friendship blooms between Keegan and Therese and when their feelings deepen into love, Keegan continues to keep his secret but how long will it take for Therese to uncover the truth about Mariah?
Following an incident with Abby, Therese's relationship with her stepkids has deteriorated to the point where she is considering giving up custody of them all together. Not having arrived at a final decision when they return from their mom's, she is encouraged by the changes in Jacob's attitude but she is disheartened by Abby's renewed hostility. Keegan is a welcome distraction from the current turmoil in her life and she enjoys the serenity she finds in his company. Of course, underlying all of their interactions is a spark of attraction that neither can ignore and they decide to explore their burgeoning emotions.
At first, I was not sure if I was going to like Keegan since I did not understand why he was so determined to give up Mariah. Once I figured out what motivated his decision, my reservations about him began to disappear. But he completely won me over when he decided to protect Paul's memory for Therese but then I kept holding my breath waiting for her figure out the truth about Mariah! All in all, I thought this part of the storyline was very well done and the final resolution was not as dramatic as I thought it would be.
My heart really went out to Jacob and Abby. Jacob is such a typical boy in so many ways, but he has a really good heart. I think he finally saw his mother's true nature during their visit so he came home with a new appreciation for Therese.
And then there's poor Abby. Yes, she was awful, but with all that she has been through, Therese was an easy target for all of her anger and unhappiness. As easy as it was to feel sorry for Therese, she also bears some of the blame for their problems and I was glad when she finally realized that.
Marilyn Pappano weaves all of the various story arcs in A Man to Hold on To into an emotional and heartfelt novel of love, loss and new beginnings. The overall plot is poignant but it is perfectly balanced with plenty of humor. The characters are fully fleshed, three dimensional and easy to relate to. Tantalizing glimpses of Jessy Lawrence and Dalton Smith neatly set up the next book in Tallgrass series, and I must confess, I am very eager to read their story.
After reading A Man to Hold on To I am officially hooked on Marilyn Pappano's delightfully heartwarming Tallgrass series. In this latest installment centered around a close-knit group of war widows, Therese Matheson and Keegan Logan are facing difficult decisions about the children unexpectedly left in their care.
Three years after her husband Paul's death in Afghanistan, Therese is struggling to build a healthy relationship with her two grieving stepchildren when she meets Keegan. Therese loves Abby and Jacob, but she is on the verge of relinquishing custody of the unhappy and resentful kids after they return from a visit with their self-centered mother. The last thing she needs is another complication in her life and when Keegan arrives looking for Paul, she is surprised by her attraction to the handsome soldier.
Keegan has never met Paul, but their lives intersected when Keegan's girlfriend Sabrina had an affair with Paul right before Paul's last deployment. The affair ended Keegan and Sabrina's relationship but when his ex abandons her daughter, Mariah, Keegan becomes the little girl's guardian. The only problem? Keegan is not Mariah's father; Paul is. Keegan travels to Tallgrass with the intention of leaving Mariah in Paul's custody but after he learns of Paul's death, he keeps quiet about Paul's connection to Mariah. A surprising friendship blooms between Keegan and Therese and when their feelings deepen into love, Keegan continues to keep his secret but how long will it take for Therese to uncover the truth about Mariah?
Following an incident with Abby, Therese's relationship with her stepkids has deteriorated to the point where she is considering giving up custody of them all together. Not having arrived at a final decision when they return from their mom's, she is encouraged by the changes in Jacob's attitude but she is disheartened by Abby's renewed hostility. Keegan is a welcome distraction from the current turmoil in her life and she enjoys the serenity she finds in his company. Of course, underlying all of their interactions is a spark of attraction that neither can ignore and they decide to explore their burgeoning emotions.
At first, I was not sure if I was going to like Keegan since I did not understand why he was so determined to give up Mariah. Once I figured out what motivated his decision, my reservations about him began to disappear. But he completely won me over when he decided to protect Paul's memory for Therese but then I kept holding my breath waiting for her figure out the truth about Mariah! All in all, I thought this part of the storyline was very well done and the final resolution was not as dramatic as I thought it would be.
My heart really went out to Jacob and Abby. Jacob is such a typical boy in so many ways, but he has a really good heart. I think he finally saw his mother's true nature during their visit so he came home with a new appreciation for Therese.
And then there's poor Abby. Yes, she was awful, but with all that she has been through, Therese was an easy target for all of her anger and unhappiness. As easy as it was to feel sorry for Therese, she also bears some of the blame for their problems and I was glad when she finally realized that.
Marilyn Pappano weaves all of the various story arcs in A Man to Hold on To into an emotional and heartfelt novel of love, loss and new beginnings. The overall plot is poignant but it is perfectly balanced with plenty of humor. The characters are fully fleshed, three dimensional and easy to relate to. Tantalizing glimpses of Jessy Lawrence and Dalton Smith neatly set up the next book in Tallgrass series, and I must confess, I am very eager to read their story.
March 6, 2017
Enjoyed Therese and Keegan's f...k up story. Can't wait to have update from the next book
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