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Family of Her Dreams
A Family to Cherish
Headstrong Tess Grimsby loves her new job caring for the children of a recently widowed man. But she never imagined that she'd fall for her handsome employer. Yet Spencer Abbott is as caring as he is attractive, and Tess can't help but feel for him and his family. Though, for the sake of her job, she'll keep any emotions about her boss to herself.
Between his stationmaster responsibilities in a Gold-Rush town and trying to put his family back together, Spencer has his hands full. He soon finds his new hire's kind personality warming his frosty exterior. But could he ever admit to seeing her as more than just an employee?
Headstrong Tess Grimsby loves her new job caring for the children of a recently widowed man. But she never imagined that she'd fall for her handsome employer. Yet Spencer Abbott is as caring as he is attractive, and Tess can't help but feel for him and his family. Though, for the sake of her job, she'll keep any emotions about her boss to herself.
Between his stationmaster responsibilities in a Gold-Rush town and trying to put his family back together, Spencer has his hands full. He soon finds his new hire's kind personality warming his frosty exterior. But could he ever admit to seeing her as more than just an employee?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2015
7 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Keli Gwyn
13 books207 followersKeli Gwyn's stories transported readers to the 1800s, where she brought historic towns to life, peopled them with colorful characters, and added a hint of humor. She has retired from writing and is spending time with her husband and adorable cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 15, 2015
This is definitely a case where you can judge a book by its cover. I love the motion depicted in the illustration -- and the scene perfectly fits the mood of the story. It's a wonderful celebration of dreams -- both the kind you yearn for and the kind that, unfortunately, need to be relinquished to bittersweet memories.
Poor Spencer is a grappling with grief in true manly fashion -- that is keep his head down and ignore it. Not an advisable way of coping -- especially for his young children. He hires a housekeeper in the hopes of regaining some order in his life. Cue the gregarious, outspoken Tess. Not quite the gentle, docile woman he was envisioning would bring harmony back to his home. But sometimes God has plans that are greater (and better) than our own.
Loved that this story takes place over months -- the reader gets to see a realistic progression of Tess and Spencer's developing friendship. Not to mention Tess's slow wooing of Spencer's surly young son. That boy is carrying a world of hurt on his little shoulders and her love and patience make a profound difference.
There are a few really touching story threads that brought a thrill to my romance-loving heart. And humour and action and a dark moment that had my heart sinking down to my toes. In short -- the perfection combination for an enthralling read.
Poor Spencer is a grappling with grief in true manly fashion -- that is keep his head down and ignore it. Not an advisable way of coping -- especially for his young children. He hires a housekeeper in the hopes of regaining some order in his life. Cue the gregarious, outspoken Tess. Not quite the gentle, docile woman he was envisioning would bring harmony back to his home. But sometimes God has plans that are greater (and better) than our own.
Loved that this story takes place over months -- the reader gets to see a realistic progression of Tess and Spencer's developing friendship. Not to mention Tess's slow wooing of Spencer's surly young son. That boy is carrying a world of hurt on his little shoulders and her love and patience make a profound difference.
There are a few really touching story threads that brought a thrill to my romance-loving heart. And humour and action and a dark moment that had my heart sinking down to my toes. In short -- the perfection combination for an enthralling read.
June 30, 2015
Ms. Gwyn utterly delighted me with this sweet, moving story about a soft-hearted, forthright heroine whose genuine faith keeps her longing after what God has set before her. Her painful past has prepared her to uniquely care for the widowed hero and his mourning children. It's a joy to see God use her to bring comfort and to see her in turn come to recognize her worth in a special way as well.
Christianity is simply a part of the fabric of their lives. It isn't in your face, as a reader, nor does it feel tacked on, simply to make mention of it. The story is well paced with lovely characterizations, and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Gwyn.
Christianity is simply a part of the fabric of their lives. It isn't in your face, as a reader, nor does it feel tacked on, simply to make mention of it. The story is well paced with lovely characterizations, and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Gwyn.
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January 12, 2016"A moving story of family, second chances and trusting in God’s timing, Gwyn’s Love Inspired Historical debut is a perfect fit for the series" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
June 9, 2015
Tess Grimsby has arrived in Shingle Springs to be housekeeper to Spencer Abbott, a young widower with two children. Tess was raised in an orphanage and dreams of one day having her own family.
Spencer's wife recently passed away and left behind two children. Little Luke is full of rambunctious energy and into all kinds of trouble. Tess immediately sets out to win his hurting soul. Tess feels for the children, knowing that Luke is acting out in pain from losing his mother.
Spencer is still mourning his wife but knows that he needs help with his children. He is put off a bit by Tess's outspokenness, but soon realizes that she is quite capable of taking care of him and his children.
As Tess takes care of this grieving family she soon begins to fall in love with them, and the dreams of one day having a family of her own begin to resemble the faces of Spencer and his children. Meanwhile Spencer is torn between his attraction to Tess and a woman he only knows through a set of letters that someone lost at the railroad station he runs. Will he miss out on the love in front of him in order to pursue a woman he has never met but haunts him through her letters?
I think this is the first Love Inspired Historical that I have read. I really enjoyed it. I loved Tess and Spencer. Tess has spunk and isn't afraid to speak her mind even though she also has some insecurities. Spencer loves his children even though he is grieving the loss of their mother. I like how he was able to change his mind when Tess presented him all of the facts of a change she wanted to implement. He wasn't an unreasonable parent nor an unreasonable boss. One issue I have with these type of books is that they are shorter than the average novel and therefore can't develop the characters as well as I would have liked. I thought that the story was progressing along nicely, but then kind of galloped to the end a little too quickly. Still I enjoyed these characters very much. I also liked the setting. It is fun to read a story about places that I have been. I look forward to the next book that author Keli Gwyn writes!
Spencer's wife recently passed away and left behind two children. Little Luke is full of rambunctious energy and into all kinds of trouble. Tess immediately sets out to win his hurting soul. Tess feels for the children, knowing that Luke is acting out in pain from losing his mother.
Spencer is still mourning his wife but knows that he needs help with his children. He is put off a bit by Tess's outspokenness, but soon realizes that she is quite capable of taking care of him and his children.
As Tess takes care of this grieving family she soon begins to fall in love with them, and the dreams of one day having a family of her own begin to resemble the faces of Spencer and his children. Meanwhile Spencer is torn between his attraction to Tess and a woman he only knows through a set of letters that someone lost at the railroad station he runs. Will he miss out on the love in front of him in order to pursue a woman he has never met but haunts him through her letters?
I think this is the first Love Inspired Historical that I have read. I really enjoyed it. I loved Tess and Spencer. Tess has spunk and isn't afraid to speak her mind even though she also has some insecurities. Spencer loves his children even though he is grieving the loss of their mother. I like how he was able to change his mind when Tess presented him all of the facts of a change she wanted to implement. He wasn't an unreasonable parent nor an unreasonable boss. One issue I have with these type of books is that they are shorter than the average novel and therefore can't develop the characters as well as I would have liked. I thought that the story was progressing along nicely, but then kind of galloped to the end a little too quickly. Still I enjoyed these characters very much. I also liked the setting. It is fun to read a story about places that I have been. I look forward to the next book that author Keli Gwyn writes!
July 4, 2015
Keli Gwyn's Family of Her Dreams is a delightful historical romance with the perfect mix of likeable characters the reader roots for, internal and external conflict, sweet romantic tension, and surprises twisted in.
Independent, headstrong Tess Grimsby arrives in Shingle Springs to apply for a job as a housekeeper for recently widowed Stationmaster Spencer Abbott. Spencer has two young children, and soon realizes competent Tess is the perfect fit for his grieving family.
The story follows Tess and Spencer's business agreement, budding friendship, and eventual romantic interest over a six or eight month period of time. The author did a wonderful job weaving historical detail in the day-to-day experiences on the Abbott homestead, and showed the tender growth of feelings between the widower and his housekeeper.
There were fun plot twists thrown in throughout the story, including a nice zinger at the end.
Getting to know Tess, Spencer, stubborn four-year old son Luke, and sweet baby Lila was a reading treat. The author created realistic characters and poignant situations and conflict that furthers the story at a page-turning pace.
Which means it was hard to put this book down!
But my favorite part of reading A Family of Her Dreams was the gentle way the author weaves spiritual truth--and real life reminders--into the story.
While Tess has her set of foibles and faults, I was inspired personally to be more like her--to be more encouraging toward my husband and his dreams.
Tess believed in Spencer, even before they were romantically interested, and told him so through her words and actions.
I read and loved Keli Gwyn's first novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, and I loved this one just as much.
I highly recommend A Family of Her Dreams and look forward to this author's next book!
Independent, headstrong Tess Grimsby arrives in Shingle Springs to apply for a job as a housekeeper for recently widowed Stationmaster Spencer Abbott. Spencer has two young children, and soon realizes competent Tess is the perfect fit for his grieving family.
The story follows Tess and Spencer's business agreement, budding friendship, and eventual romantic interest over a six or eight month period of time. The author did a wonderful job weaving historical detail in the day-to-day experiences on the Abbott homestead, and showed the tender growth of feelings between the widower and his housekeeper.
There were fun plot twists thrown in throughout the story, including a nice zinger at the end.
Getting to know Tess, Spencer, stubborn four-year old son Luke, and sweet baby Lila was a reading treat. The author created realistic characters and poignant situations and conflict that furthers the story at a page-turning pace.
Which means it was hard to put this book down!
But my favorite part of reading A Family of Her Dreams was the gentle way the author weaves spiritual truth--and real life reminders--into the story.
While Tess has her set of foibles and faults, I was inspired personally to be more like her--to be more encouraging toward my husband and his dreams.
Tess believed in Spencer, even before they were romantically interested, and told him so through her words and actions.
I read and loved Keli Gwyn's first novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, and I loved this one just as much.
I highly recommend A Family of Her Dreams and look forward to this author's next book!
May 19, 2015
Family of Her Dreams by Keli Gwyn
This author writes a great story , she made Tess and the way she felt about her life and her dreams so real that I felt like I knew this young woman. I was sad for her to be abandoned at an orphanage at a young age and then to feel the head of it did not like her and bullied her made me want to kick him in the shins.
He gave Faith the name of "Tess" which she was unhappy with her whole life until the day she found out why he did this.
Tess lived her life in the orphanage and helped with the younger children and then upon leaving found that she loved caring for children and made this her job to make a living for herself.
Spencer Abbott lost his wife soon after birthing their daughter to an infection so he needed a housekeeper and he hired Tess to help him.She started on a trial basis but he soon knew she was a caring loving person and a hard worker too. He has a son who is four and a determined little one who wants nothing to do with a woman living and caring for them, he wants his mama. He is inquisitive and Tess has her hands full watching over him.
Spencer works for the rail line but wants to be a rancher...come read this story and get to know this family and how Tess "fits" right in.
I had company and lost some reading time but when I picked the book up tonight to finish it , I felt like I had never been away-it all just fell right into place and Spencer and Tess were getting along so much better as she was with Luke too. Thanks for a wonderful story Keli...
This author writes a great story , she made Tess and the way she felt about her life and her dreams so real that I felt like I knew this young woman. I was sad for her to be abandoned at an orphanage at a young age and then to feel the head of it did not like her and bullied her made me want to kick him in the shins.
He gave Faith the name of "Tess" which she was unhappy with her whole life until the day she found out why he did this.
Tess lived her life in the orphanage and helped with the younger children and then upon leaving found that she loved caring for children and made this her job to make a living for herself.
Spencer Abbott lost his wife soon after birthing their daughter to an infection so he needed a housekeeper and he hired Tess to help him.She started on a trial basis but he soon knew she was a caring loving person and a hard worker too. He has a son who is four and a determined little one who wants nothing to do with a woman living and caring for them, he wants his mama. He is inquisitive and Tess has her hands full watching over him.
Spencer works for the rail line but wants to be a rancher...come read this story and get to know this family and how Tess "fits" right in.
I had company and lost some reading time but when I picked the book up tonight to finish it , I felt like I had never been away-it all just fell right into place and Spencer and Tess were getting along so much better as she was with Luke too. Thanks for a wonderful story Keli...
September 12, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. Usually, suspense books are more to my liking, but this story grabbed me and wouldn’t let go.
What I liked: The characters came alive in every way possible. I loved everything about Tess. Everything from her floppy, flamboyant hat, her six foot frame that stood taller than a lot of men, and her loving, generous personality. She was a true Christian in every sense of the word. The plot was similar to others I’ve read, but had its own distinct twists and turns. A touch of suspense was even added here and there to spice up the story.
What I didn’t like: I wondered if the situation where Tess was living in Spencer’s house to care for his children and other housekeeper duties might not have been taboo back in those days. Even though Spencer stayed in the newly constructed bunkhouse, I can’t help but imagine that tongues in the city should have been wagging about how much alone time they spent together. It might have added even more interest in the story if a craggy, spinster lady complained and spread rumors about the couple.
Over all, I give this book five stars. Well done Ms. Gwyn. I look forward to reading more of your books.
What I liked: The characters came alive in every way possible. I loved everything about Tess. Everything from her floppy, flamboyant hat, her six foot frame that stood taller than a lot of men, and her loving, generous personality. She was a true Christian in every sense of the word. The plot was similar to others I’ve read, but had its own distinct twists and turns. A touch of suspense was even added here and there to spice up the story.
What I didn’t like: I wondered if the situation where Tess was living in Spencer’s house to care for his children and other housekeeper duties might not have been taboo back in those days. Even though Spencer stayed in the newly constructed bunkhouse, I can’t help but imagine that tongues in the city should have been wagging about how much alone time they spent together. It might have added even more interest in the story if a craggy, spinster lady complained and spread rumors about the couple.
Over all, I give this book five stars. Well done Ms. Gwyn. I look forward to reading more of your books.
May 5, 2015
Tess Grimsby longs for a family of her own. Instead, she must be content with being a caretaker to a recently widowed man's children. Raised in an orphanage, Tess is well aware of the trauma and stages of grief that children go through and hopes to make a difference in the lives of her two young charges.
Spencer Abbott has his hands full as a stationmaster and trying to create some semblance of order for his children. He hadn't counted on a headstrong nanny that questions him on what seems like every decision. But he can't deny the good Tess has provided either.
Is Tess worth the trouble?
This was the second book I've read by Keli Gwyn, and I found it quite enjoyable. She provides a sigh-worthy happily-ever-after. You won't be disappointed.
Spencer Abbott has his hands full as a stationmaster and trying to create some semblance of order for his children. He hadn't counted on a headstrong nanny that questions him on what seems like every decision. But he can't deny the good Tess has provided either.
Is Tess worth the trouble?
This was the second book I've read by Keli Gwyn, and I found it quite enjoyable. She provides a sigh-worthy happily-ever-after. You won't be disappointed.
July 8, 2015
I HAD to read this book after falling in love with the delightful cover! And it's story was just as good as the sweet scene on the front depicted! I really fell in love with the spunky and outspoken heroine, Tess. She is a woman after my own heart! I felt like she's a kindred spirit, even though I have no idea what it's like to be tall! ;) Nevertheless she was real to me, and I loved seeing her capacity to love! This story warmed my heart, and touched my soul. I have never read anything by Keli Gwyn before, but this book has me adding her to my will-buy-whatever-she-writes list. :)
July 17, 2015
A family of Her Own is so enduring to ones heart! I so enjoyed Tess Grimsby's story of overcoming life's struggles. Growing up in an orphanage after being turned over by her father Tess carves out God's plan for her by hard work and determination. Spencer Abbott needs a nanny yesterday for his two small children after the recent loss of his wife. Spencer is hoping Tess will work out as their new nanny even though he's taken aback by her unusual techniques and her most unusual appearance.
June 25, 2015
What happens when a woman searching for happiness and a family starts working for a grieving familie of 3! A lovely story about faith, hope and love!
I loved reading Keli Gwyn first novel, I love her second!
I loved reading Keli Gwyn first novel, I love her second!
May 20, 2015
Family of Her Dreams is such a sweet story of love and faith. I just loved Tess when she was with the children. And really loved her and Spencer when they were together. A wonderful, tender and inspiring story.
Looking forward to more by Keli Gwyn.
Five stars
Looking forward to more by Keli Gwyn.
Five stars
April 27, 2015
A special story of love!!
May 6, 2015
4.5 stars
June 8, 2015
Wonderful story!
November 24, 2025
What I like:
-Some of the interactions between Tess and Spencer are nice. I like the flirty dialogue and witty remarks.
-As the story carries on, I find the romance between Tess and Spencer to be more to my liking. There is pinning and glances; questions of attraction (after a reasonable amount of time) and admiration.
-Luke takes his time warming up to Tess. I like the storyline where Tess tries to bond with him, not as a new mom or a caregiver, but as a new friend. Tess knows that she is his caregiver when his father is working, but she also cares enough about him to try to help him figure out his feelings.
-Character development: Tess, Spencer, & Luke.
-Ultimately a nice book with a sweet ending
What I don’t like:
-Both Tess and Spencer acknowledged not wanting to get attached within the first chapter. I can already tell they are the romantic interests and it feels rushed. Questioning attraction within the first 25 pages is too fast for my liking. As I read this book, I have to remind myself that this is about half the pages I am used to read, so the plot has to more faster.
-After only a few weeks working, Tess has the audacity to ask to pack away all of the late Mrs. Abbott’s things. I could see asking to look at the with Luke, but to push to get them out of site when Spencer isn’t ready is unprofessional and could be harmful. To say I was mad when I read that would be an understatement.
-Tess believes she knows what is best for the Luke, but when it comes to the needing a punishment for disobeying she wants to turn a blind eye.
-Some of the interactions between Tess and Spencer are nice. I like the flirty dialogue and witty remarks.
-As the story carries on, I find the romance between Tess and Spencer to be more to my liking. There is pinning and glances; questions of attraction (after a reasonable amount of time) and admiration.
-Luke takes his time warming up to Tess. I like the storyline where Tess tries to bond with him, not as a new mom or a caregiver, but as a new friend. Tess knows that she is his caregiver when his father is working, but she also cares enough about him to try to help him figure out his feelings.
-Character development: Tess, Spencer, & Luke.
-Ultimately a nice book with a sweet ending
What I don’t like:
-Both Tess and Spencer acknowledged not wanting to get attached within the first chapter. I can already tell they are the romantic interests and it feels rushed. Questioning attraction within the first 25 pages is too fast for my liking. As I read this book, I have to remind myself that this is about half the pages I am used to read, so the plot has to more faster.
-After only a few weeks working, Tess has the audacity to ask to pack away all of the late Mrs. Abbott’s things. I could see asking to look at the with Luke, but to push to get them out of site when Spencer isn’t ready is unprofessional and could be harmful. To say I was mad when I read that would be an understatement.
-Tess believes she knows what is best for the Luke, but when it comes to the needing a punishment for disobeying she wants to turn a blind eye.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2023
California 1866. Inspirational love story. Gave it 3
stars.
Tess lost her mother at age 3 & her father placed her
in an orphanage. The kids there teased her when she
grew to 6 feet tall. They called her "Too-Tall Tess."
Her friend Polly lived in Shingle Springs, California.
Married Polly informed her a recent widow w/ 2 kids
(the boy was 4 and the girl not yet 1) needed a house-
keeper/ cook.
Spencer was a RR stationmaster and he planned to
purchase a bull to breed cows (he'd learned this from
his sire in Texas.) Spencer grimaced & grew impatient.
He thought Tess too talkative and headstrong, but
he gave her a 1 week trial as his housekeeper. He paid
for her room at the boarding house, so propriety was
observed @ day's end. She proved her worth inside of
one day.
Spencer's son Luke wouldn't stay put when told to do
so. At one point he climbed inside the fence to see the
new bull, which charged at him & Tess. Tess & Spencer
responded too calmly! A person can have curiosity, &
faith in God & still use common sense? The son needed
to learn this.
This quiet love story did not re-invent the wheel.
stars.
Tess lost her mother at age 3 & her father placed her
in an orphanage. The kids there teased her when she
grew to 6 feet tall. They called her "Too-Tall Tess."
Her friend Polly lived in Shingle Springs, California.
Married Polly informed her a recent widow w/ 2 kids
(the boy was 4 and the girl not yet 1) needed a house-
keeper/ cook.
Spencer was a RR stationmaster and he planned to
purchase a bull to breed cows (he'd learned this from
his sire in Texas.) Spencer grimaced & grew impatient.
He thought Tess too talkative and headstrong, but
he gave her a 1 week trial as his housekeeper. He paid
for her room at the boarding house, so propriety was
observed @ day's end. She proved her worth inside of
one day.
Spencer's son Luke wouldn't stay put when told to do
so. At one point he climbed inside the fence to see the
new bull, which charged at him & Tess. Tess & Spencer
responded too calmly! A person can have curiosity, &
faith in God & still use common sense? The son needed
to learn this.
This quiet love story did not re-invent the wheel.
October 3, 2019
2.5 stars, rounded it to 3. Unfortunately this one missed the mark for me. As much as I loved the premise, I didn’t love the writing style or the actual plot of the story. I was quickly annoyed from all the references to Tess’s hight. It was as if it were the only thing she thought about and all anyone else noticed about her. A third of the way through I kept thinking, “I get it your tall, that it is all your noticed for, all you think about is your hight! More on to the actual story already!” The plot itself felt rushed and a bit all over the place. In my opinion the author had too much going on and I just couldn’t enjoy the storyline because it kept jumping. The ending was so rushed. It was literally wrapped up in three pages. This just wasn’t for me. It got three stars because I liked the side characters and the town where the story was set.
June 17, 2020
Tess comes from Sacramento City to accept a housekeeper position for Spencer and his two children. Spencer's wife recently died, specifically three months ago. Spencer has become grumpy and closed off, four-year-old Luke is misbehaving and baby Lilah doesn't even understand what is going on yet. However, Tess' arrival slowly mends their hearts, especially Spencer's... ;)
This book was a tad bit slow, romance-wise, probably because of Tess and the children, and by that, I mean, time period... The ending was a little too sappy but I actually enjoyed this novel as a whole.
This book was a tad bit slow, romance-wise, probably because of Tess and the children, and by that, I mean, time period... The ending was a little too sappy but I actually enjoyed this novel as a whole.
August 7, 2017
Really enjoyed the characters and the storyline.
April 21, 2018
Such a great story and wonderful reminder of what can happy when we let go and let God work in ways that only He can.
May 23, 2019
Loved it!
February 24, 2020
A happily ever after story with some Biblical verses thrown in - interesting.
January 26, 2025
Great read
March 19, 2017
I loved everything about this book. Solid 5 stars from me! Keli did a great job developing the relationships between all the characters, which made the story that much more heartwarming. This is my second book by this author and she has firmly planted herself on my list of authors that I read and buy all of their books. They're THAT good! Loved loved loved this feel good story =)
August 5, 2015
I love Keli Gwyn’s historicals, don’t you? She’s obviously paid a lot of attention to details. She has the history, geography, flora, and fauna of the area down flat. I give this book a sure five stars.
Tess Grimsby is desperate for this housekeeping job for the handsome widower, Spencer Abbott. She’d come to Shingle Springs, California, after being let go from a similar position in Sacramento. Seems she was a little too forthright. She fervently prayed she would be found acceptable for this position.
A little too tall, also, according to the teasing of her foster brother. Six feet tall, to be precise. Plus she wore high-heeled boots and an outrageously high hat with ostrich feathers that dusted the ceilings of some houses.
The grief that surrounded Mr. Abbott and his son was most understandable. They had lost his wife and the four-year-old boy’s mother three short months before. The baby girl, Lila, wasn’t old enough to remember, but Luke did, and he didn’t want anyone coming to take care of him. He wanted his mama.
When Tess arrived, she’d let her mouth get ahead of her. She’d promised Mr. Abbott she’d earn his approval within one day. When they arrived at the house, it was a mess, dirty clothes and dishes strewn everywhere. It stunk because of some salve Luke had thrown into the fire. The baby was crying, and the boy ran whooping around the obviously unused, equally loaded dining room table.
This might just be the challenge of her life.
Tess Grimsby is desperate for this housekeeping job for the handsome widower, Spencer Abbott. She’d come to Shingle Springs, California, after being let go from a similar position in Sacramento. Seems she was a little too forthright. She fervently prayed she would be found acceptable for this position.
A little too tall, also, according to the teasing of her foster brother. Six feet tall, to be precise. Plus she wore high-heeled boots and an outrageously high hat with ostrich feathers that dusted the ceilings of some houses.
The grief that surrounded Mr. Abbott and his son was most understandable. They had lost his wife and the four-year-old boy’s mother three short months before. The baby girl, Lila, wasn’t old enough to remember, but Luke did, and he didn’t want anyone coming to take care of him. He wanted his mama.
When Tess arrived, she’d let her mouth get ahead of her. She’d promised Mr. Abbott she’d earn his approval within one day. When they arrived at the house, it was a mess, dirty clothes and dishes strewn everywhere. It stunk because of some salve Luke had thrown into the fire. The baby was crying, and the boy ran whooping around the obviously unused, equally loaded dining room table.
This might just be the challenge of her life.
August 2, 2015
I enjoyed reading Family of Her Dreams and I loved the California gold-rush small town historical setting. Tess is a complex and likeable character. Abandoned by her father and raised in an orphanage, she hasn’t had an easy life. She loves caring for children and has worked hard to attain a good housekeeping position. Her long held dream and prayer is to have a husband and family of her own. Spencer is recovering from the loss of his wife and he needs a housekeeper to care for his young children. His baby daughter, Lila, is adorable, and his four year old, Luke, is struggling to deal with the tragic loss of their mother.
Tess loves the children as if they were her own. During the story she develops feelings for their handsome father and she dares not to hope that she can one day become a permanent part of their family. Spencer warms to his housekeeper, who is also a brilliant cook, and they share a sweet romance with tender moments. I really liked the secret in the story, and how the resolution of the secret provided a romantic and satisfying ending. I recommend Family of Her Dreams for readers who enjoy sweet historical inspirational romances.
Family of Her Dreams is Keli Gwyn’s debut book with the Love Inspired Historical line, and I won a complimentary copy in a giveaway.
Tess loves the children as if they were her own. During the story she develops feelings for their handsome father and she dares not to hope that she can one day become a permanent part of their family. Spencer warms to his housekeeper, who is also a brilliant cook, and they share a sweet romance with tender moments. I really liked the secret in the story, and how the resolution of the secret provided a romantic and satisfying ending. I recommend Family of Her Dreams for readers who enjoy sweet historical inspirational romances.
Family of Her Dreams is Keli Gwyn’s debut book with the Love Inspired Historical line, and I won a complimentary copy in a giveaway.
July 2, 2015
I really enjoyed Family Of Her Dreams by Keli Gwyn. The year 1866. Tess Grimsby travels to a small town to take the job of caring for the train station masters baby girl and four year old boy. Also take care of the cleaning and cooking. The boy is very active and tends to get into trouble without really meaning to. Tess loves children that is why she took this job. Train station master, Spencer Abbott, was recently widowed. The family miss her. Tess goes in determined to heal this family. While doing this she falls for Spencer and his children. A lot goes on in this book. A must read.
June 27, 2015
I adored this delightful story! Keli Gwyn is a gifted storyteller who paints a vivid picture with her words. I loved everything about Family of Her Dreams, from the charming characters to the captivating story line! Tess and Spencer’s story is heartfelt, emotional, and romantic! Family of Her Dreams is one of my new favorite historical romances. I can’t wait for more tales from Keli Gwyn!
“She had a way of making him forget the past and believe in the future again.”
“She had a way of making him forget the past and believe in the future again.”
June 22, 2015
A sweet story of a young lady who lived her childhood years in an orphanage. Since she is quite tall, she thinks that she will never marry, although she writes letters to her future fiancé. She works as a housekeeper, nanny and even a cook! Will God ever see fit to bring her to a place she can call home and a family of her own? Read on and discover more of this lovely tale....
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